Carl Platter fishing, photo (Ancestry, c1930).jpg
Ascension church, Wilma Toye, Papsidero wedding, photo (Ancestry, c1950).jpg
Adam Kuglin with Christian Wittkowsky family, 38 Geneva Street, photo (Ancestry, 1888).jpg
Erie's Buffalo Tondas, hockey puck (c1973).jpg
Sketch of early North Tonawanda history in The Ganson Street Tigers Go to War by Frederick T. Adcock.htm
The calmness of this virgin forest was disturbed in the year 1801 when soldiers of the young Republic were ordered to cut a road through the dank woodlands. General James Wilkinson commanded the expedition intent on linking the garrison at Fort Niagara on the lower Niagara River with the settlement of New Amsterdam (Buffalo) on the upper reaches of the watercourse. The US Government had entrusted the mission to an officer with a checkered past. General Wilkinson was a flabby, balding Revolutionary War veteran and was later found to be a spy in the service of Spain. Historian Robert Leckie summarized his career as, “a general who never won a battle or lost a court-martial.” But, Wilkinson and his command succeeded with the construction of the military road and a series of bridges needed to traverse numerous tributaries feeding the grand river. A rough-hewn bridge constructed across Tonawanda Creek allowed the uninterrupted passage of military personnel and goods between the isolated settlements. To protect the vital span, the US Army constructed a log blockhouse and stationed a small detachment of blue-coated infantrymen. Among the guard was Lieutenant John Sweeney, a Buffalo businessman, who would become a prominent land speculator along Tonawanda Creek years later. In 1808, Henry Anguish became the first settler along the banks of the creek. He raised a small cabin and cleared some farmland. Anguish’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to build a tavern three years later, and his best, and possibly his only, customers were the soldiers from the blockhouse a short distance away. Settlers quickly developed the lands near the bridge and along the military road. The dense forests of oak trees disappeared under the swing of broad axes and the cleared land was cultivated. The prosperity of the frontier community was destroyed during the War of 1812 when British soldiers torched nearly every structure along the Niagara River. American militiamen had burned the sturdy bridge over Tonawanda Creek in 1813 to prevent the advance of the British upon the village of Buffalo. This action had only temporarily saved the village. A few days later, British forces crossed the Niagara River and burned Buffalo, leaving only the stone foundations and chimneys in the smoldering ruins. After the peace, the hardy settlers returned to their charred homes to rebuild their lives. Pioneering men such as Colonel John Sweeney, George Goundry, and Stephen Jacobs utilized the wood and water resources of the region to accumulate small fortunes and the settlement along the creek grew and prospered. With the westward expansion of the nation, the need to ease travel and stimulate commerce became an important concern. Businessmen and government officials looked to mimic the canals of Europe as a solution. A backwater politician named DeWitt Clinton spearheaded a bold plan to cut a canal across New York State. The plan was masterminded by a collection of brilliant engineers and the construction of the longest canal in the world was begun. In a few short years, the waters of Tonawanda Creek were incorporated into the Erie Canal system and the area’s population quickly boomed. The canal, which opened in 1825, stretched across New York State bringing commerce and wealth to ports located on the waterway. Settlers traveling westward on overcrowded packet boats flooded Western New York, while other barges carried lumber and produce to large markets in the eastern part of the state. The Erie Canal also carried hundreds of European immigrants into Western New York. These settlers, mainly of German origin, searched for work in the mills and purchased tracts of land to farm. The area at the confluence of the Niagara River and Tonawanda Creek became synonymous with the lumber trade. Numerous ships carrying timber from nearby Grand Island, America’s midlands, and the wilds of Canada, docked at the local wharfs. More than one hundred businesses related to the lumber industry were located in the Tonawandas over the next 120 years, and the small port on the Niagara River was known as the greatest lumber port in the world. Eleven years after the opening of the Erie Canal, another technological innovation was introduced to the villages along this waterway. Gangs of Irish laborers laying iron rails worked their way to the area. A short time later, the chugging steam locomotives of the new industrial age began to transform the economic and transportation infrastructure of the fledgling settlements. Despite the coming of the railroad, the presence of sweating draft animals pulling barges on the canal continued for another fifty years. Soon after the arrival of the railroad, steam-powered machinery began to alter the lumber industry. Sooty clouds of black smoke dirtied the skies and massive piles of machine-processed lumber dominated the landscape. By the autumn of 1861, it was evident the industrial output of the villages huddled against the banks of Tonawanda Creek would be utilized in the war effort against the southern states. Early in the war, local civic leader Lewis S. Payne received permission from the government to raise a company of soldiers for the 100th New York State Volunteer Infantry Regiment, nicknamed the “Board of Trade Regiment”. The unit was organized by the Buffalo Board of Trade, a civic organization that fostered goodwill between merchants in the big port city. The regiment marched off to war in 1862, its ranks deluged with German immigrants. During the Civil War, casualties decimated the 100th Infantry Regiment and Payne was captured by rebel troops. Upon his return from the war, he found the villages that straddled the creek had separated and the community on the north side of the muddy waters had incorporated, naming itself North Tonawanda. The split meant more to the tax collector than the average citizen, and many continued to traverse the wood bridges to labor in the shops and mills located throughout the two towns now located in separate counties. Lumbering and brick-making industries dominated the economic scene until 1870 when the Niagara River Iron Company fired up its blast furnaces on the north side of the creek. The iron company was in need of many new workers and some of the first immigrants from Eastern Europe and Italy relocated to the Lumber City. These unskilled settlers, who had suffered from chronic poverty and oppression in Russia, Sicily, and southern Italy, took on the lowest paying jobs and lived in shacks constructed from discarded wood and packing crates. The new immigrants clustered together on undeveloped parcels of land and found mutual support in a society that did not understand or accept their languages, customs, and superstitions. “The Ku Klux Klan was big in North Tonawanda in the old days,” said Ganson Street resident Patrick DePaolo. “Every bridge leading into the city had a sign on it that said, ‘No Coloreds’. They [the Klan] weren’t fond of Italians either, they called us dagos, wops, and garlic eaters and the Italians suffered a lot of abuse. That’s how the immigrant neighborhoods formed. The Italians had their own church, school, and stores. Everybody knew everybody else in the neighborhood and they looked out for each other.” Outsiders looked upon the Italians with scorn. The immigrants, especially from southern Italy and Sicily, were very superstitious. Pierced ears were common, even with infants, in the belief that gold near the eyes produced keen eyesight. Bewitching by means of a sordid glance, known as, Malocchio, or “the evil eye”, was greatly feared and a ritual involving olive oil and cold water could only lift the curse. There was also the superstition that mentioning Satan after midnight would bring one face-to-face with the evil devil. The custom of leaving food on the dinner table on November 2, or All Souls Day, in the belief that dead relatives would return to the family was alien to those who were not accustomed to the practices of the Roman Catholic Church. At the turn of the twentieth century, North Tonawanda had been incorporated as a city and industrial based businesses were booming. By this time, nearly one million Italian immigrants had also entered the country and settled mainly in large cities on the East Coast. Seeking to escape city slums and overcrowded tenement houses, many Italians boarded canal boats and worked their way into Central and Western New York seeking employment in port towns located on the vast highway of water. The Tonawandas, with its large industrial base, became an important destination for immigrants searching for work and the “American Dream”. Menial jobs were readily found in factories that produced lumber, bricks, and textiles. Employment could also be obtained in other local companies that manufactured musical instruments, automobiles, carousels, and even chocolate. The Twin Cities were old industrial towns known for manufacturing many products including lumber, iron, steel, paper, textile, musical instruments, amusement rides, watercraft, and business and industrial machinery. Thousands of European immigrants labored in the shops and factories in their quest to fulfill the American dream. The ribbon of water that separates Tonawanda Island from the mainland is identified as the “Little River”, a channel for commercial shipping and a favorite swimming area for local boys. Shown in the foreground is Tonawanda Iron Corporation. The mills of the International Paper Company, located on the northern part of the island, are shown in the background. (Courtesy of the Historical Society of the Tonawandas) By 1910, the Buffalo Bolt Company set up a production facility on the northern reaches of Oliver Street, and wooden boats were sliding down the ways at the Richardson Boat Company on Sweeney Street. Numerous other subsidiary businesses, such as bakeries, taverns, grocers, and retail stores, employed hundreds of others by the onset of the Great War in 1914. The welfare of the citizens was also cared for with the construction of a library with funds donated by wealthy industrialist and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, and the building of a hospital under the direction of LeGrand S. DeGraff. The influx of immigrants led to a boom of house construction in both cities. New streets were surveyed and cleared of brush, as rows of simple wood-frame structures rapidly appeared on the dirt byways. Streets named for early settlers or the social prominent were developed a few short blocks from the industrial hub located near the waterfront. The small homes, often constructed by the immigrants themselves, were erected on new streets named Tremont, Bryant, Lincoln, Geneva, and Ganson. Ganson Street was named for Kate Ganson, a socialite who had married local businessman James Sweeney. The first house was built on Ganson Street in 1876 and over the next forty years other lots on the street were sold and developed. The humble street of twenty-eight wood-frame structures became home to many laborers who toiled in local shops and factories. Men like Toni Carere, Michael Belviso, Anthony DePaolo, Peter Malone, Toni Stefanucci, and Anthony Versaci skimped and saved for years to purchase a lot and build a house. After the Armistice in 1918 ending World War I, the growing industrial base in the Tonawandas needed more workers, and streams of immigrants came from Europe. Germans escaping the economic calamity in their homeland found employment and camaraderie in Gratwick, an immigrant community in the northern environs of North Tonawanda named for William H. Gratwick, a nineteenth century lumber baron...
That Ironton disaster, article (Niagara Gazette, 1874-10-21).png
Pig iron, ad (Buffalo Courier, 1874-07-14.png
Niagara River Iron Co. dissolved, article (Niagara Gazette, 1884-01-29).png
Materials moved to Buffalo, article (Niagara Gazette, 1879-08-27).png
Iron Works to be sold at auction, article (Niagara Gazette, 1879-04-23).png
An Iron Works Boom, article (Buffalo News, 1888-12-30).png
Niagara River Iron Corporation, map detail (1876).png
Niagara River Iron Corporation, map detail (1875).png
Joseph E. Gilmore and others (Georges at 18 Marion and a Joseph at 282 Payne, City Directory 1905-1906).JPG
Joseph E. Gilmore is with Iron and Steel Works as early as 1896. On Board of Health in 1915. Joseph E. Gilmore of TI & S holds first public office as Board of Health, one of "one of North Tonawanda's best known citizens" (12/31/14) Wife dies days after giving birth to twins, daughter dies before at 20. Residences: 305 Wheatfield, 248 Payne. More Gilmores: Gilmore, Anna B. July 1969 Gilmore, Charles January 8, 1923 Ton. News [missing?] Gilmore, David Bruce Died July 16, 1976 Gilmore, Dudley W. Died November 6, 1944 Ton. News 11/6/44 pg. 1 Gilmore, George W. Died February 2, 1956 Ton. News 2/2/56 pg. 1 Elmlawn Gilmore, Glen B. Died October 25, 1985 Ton. News 10/28/85 Gilmore, Grace March 20, 1922 Ton. News Gilmore, H.L. Died December 30, 1906 Ton. News 12/31/06 pg. 4 Gilmore, Harry d. Jan. 18, 1957 age 65 Ton.News 1-19-1957 p.1 Miami, FL Gilmore, Isaac T. Died February 17, 1933 Ton. News 2/17/33 Gilmore, Jean D. (nee Weber) d.Feb.18, 2008 Ton.News 2-20-2008 Acacia Park Gilmore, John Gibson Died June 20, 1990 Ton. News 6/22/90 Bear Ridge Cem. Gilmore, John Wakefield Died January 7, 1952 Ton. News 1/8/52 pg. 5 Acacia Park Gilmore, Joseph E. Died March 29, 1948 Ton. News 3/30/48 pg. 1 Gilmore, Lena Died July 18, 1946 Ton. News 7/19/46 pg. 4 Gilmore, Marie A. Died June 28, 1924 Ton. News 6/30/24 pg. 1 7/01/24 pg. 4 Forest Lawn Gilmore, Martha C. July 18, 1921 Ton. News Gilmore, Mrs. Daisy L. Died April 13, 1935 Ton. News 4/13/35 Gilmore, Nellie April 22, 1920 Ton. News Gilmore, Ralph F. Died April 3, 1962 4/3/62 Bear Ridge Cem. Gilmore, Rits A. (nee Miller) d. July 16, 2009 Ton.News 7-18-2009 Elmlawn Cem. Gilmore, Robert Died April 24, 1926 Ton. News 4/26/26 pg. 3 Forest Lawn Gilmore, Rosetta (Marjorie) Died December 31, 1989 Ton. News 1/1/90 Bear Ridge Cem.
"Gillmore" or "Gilmore" first appearances in city records (1891).jpg
1891: "Gillmore" on Ironton subdivision plat map 1905: Tax sale Common Council. 1907, 1914, "Gillmore" Ave 1909: "Gilmore" in city directory 1938: School mentioned as "Gillmore"
Soup Lady photos (Dennis Reed Jr., 2025-12-23).png
Gratwick School wins trophy for county bicycle safety campaign, photos (1948-04).jpg
Gratwick School History, faculty (1906).jpg
Gratwick School elms getting a haircut, photo article (1949-04).jpg
Gratwick School county bicycle safety campaign, photos (1948-04).jpg
Projected improvements at Tonawanda, Cleveland and Albany investors, article (Rochester Republican, 1848-12-07).jpg
Letting of the locks, article (Republic, 1847-07-16).jpg
Another project for a new commercial city, Cleveland and Albany forwarders, article (Schenectady Reflector via Express, 1848-12-22).jpg
Affairs at Tonawanda, Hinds enlarging canal to furnish elevator basin, article (Buffalo Daily Republic, 1849-05-25).jpg
Ray H. Bennett Lumber Co. Inc. Invoice (1921).jpg
Ray H. Bennett Lumber Co., letter (1921).jpg
Bennett Homes Lumber Co. Letterhead (1922).jpg
Norsemen Scrapbook of Kim Turecki, photo (2025).JPG
Twin City Band of Tonawanda, photo (c.1910).jpg
Scanlon's Hall, Niagara Frontier House, illustration (1893).jpg
Illustration seems to misspell P. Scanlon's name.
Robinson Street power house, photo (Dennis Reed Jr., 2009).jpg
Human remains discovered in Goundry Street area (Tonawanda Herald, 1884 and 1888).jpg
Pioneer cemetery or Indian burial ground?
Toros farm out Neeld, article (Leader-Post, 1975-12-17).jpg
Theyre coming to get me, Neeld, article (St. Petersberg Independent, 1976-03-31).jpg
Stanfield back home, article (Spokane Daily Chronicle, 1976-04-01).jpg
Norsemen to sit out 76-77, rink condition cited, article (Lewiston, Maine Daily Sun, 1976-06-18).jpg
Binkley retired by Toros, Vien demoted, article (Ottawa Citizen, 1976-03-09).jpg
Animals in demand, bitter scout Trottier, article (Ottawa Citizen, 1976-04-07).jpg
Norsemen tag Jets in the Aud, transcribed article (Ed Helinski, Tonawanda News, 1976-03-22).pdf
By ED HELINSKI NEWS Correspondent After posting a 30-44 record during the regular season of the North American Hockey League, including a poor 2-8 mark against the Johnstown Jets, the Buffalo Norsemen opened their “second season” in winning fashion Sunday afternoon. They recorded an overwhelming 5-1 victory over the Jets at Memorial Auditorium. The victory, before 4,041 fans, gave the N-men a 1-0 lead in the best-of-five quarterfinal series against the defending Lockhart Cup champions and this season’s Western Division champs. “We had to win this one,” said N-men goalie Jim Makey following the victory. “It gives our players a lot of confidence and we know we can beat them.” The 25-year-old backstop and Detroit Red Wing product faced 33 Johnstown shots while yielding a single goal to the Jets’ Jean Tetreault with only 3:54 remaining in the encounter. Veteran Keke Mortson led the N-men to victory. The 42-year-old star scored a pair of goals while linemates Larry Gould and Reggie Lahey combined for five points. Along with the “tight checking game,” Buffalo player Coach Guy Trottier was pleased with the trio’s efforts. “Reggie played a helluva game after coming out of Junior B,” remarked Trottier and “Keke always plays the same way everywhere.” With the close-checking style evident, Trottier, who did not dress for the contest due to a back ailment, added, “If we keep playing that way, we won’t get beat.” On the other side, Johnstown Player-Coach Jim Cardiff was disappointed with the loss. “We made some mistakes and they capitalized on a few of them,” he said. The 31-year-old defenseman noted that his club hadn’t skated for three days due to a boat show at the Cambria War Memorial Auditorium and wasn’t up to par. But the former WHA journeyman was quick to note that the circumstances will be different for Monday’s and Wednesday’s encounters in Johnstown. The N-men jumped into a 4-0 lead after two periods of play as Mortson’s production and single goals by Gould and Jim Stanfield paved the way. At the 14:24 mark of the final stanza, Billy Steele upped the lead to 5-0 when he recorded a short-handed marker against Johnstown goalie Ron Docken, who faced 41 shots in his first start in a month. “I like those the best,” said Steele. “The pressure is not on you to score.” Less than two minutes later, the Jets spoiled Makey’s attempted shutout bid as Tetreault deflected Reg Bechtold’s shot from the right boards. It was the lone hurrah for the losing Jets. Should there be a fourth game in the series, it will be held at 7:45 p.m. Thursday evening at the Tonawanda Sports Center where the Jets held a 3-2 won-loss record against the N-men. -- BUFFALO NORSEMEN 5, JOHNSTOWN JETS 1 ----------------------------------- SCORING 1st Period BUF Mortson 1 (Morin, Gould).............. 6:40 BUF Gould 2 (Lahey)....................... 10:33 2nd Period BUF Mortson 2 (Lahey, Gould)............. 12:32 BUF Stanfield 1 (Given, McConvey)........ 13:16 3rd Period BUF Steele 1 (unassisted)................ 14:24 JHN Tetreault 1 (Bechtold, Cardiff)...... 16:06 PENALTIES 1st Period BUF Harker, holding...................... 2:14 JHN Bench minor......................... 3:50 JHN Docken, slashing.................... 7:06 JHN Cardiff, interference............... 15:29 JHN Head, tripping...................... 19:32 2nd Period JHN Cardiff, holding.................... 7:03 JHN S. Carlson, roughing................ 16:56 3rd Period BUF McConvey, cross-checking............ 13:30 BUF Bench minor......................... 16:48 SHOTS ON GOAL JHN 7 10 16 — 33 BUF 15 12 14 — 41 SCORING BY PERIOD JHN 0 0 1 — 1 BUF 2 2 1 — 5 ATTENDANCE: 4,041
Real Estate Exchange Building, illustration (Buffalo of Today Business Histories, 1893).jpg
Tonawanda, book excerpt, illustrations, photos (Buffalo of Today Business Histories, 1893)
Weatherbest Stained Shingles, advertising blotter (c.1930).jpg
Buffalo Norsemen player photos (c.1976-03).gal
A full set of 8x10s, courtesy of Kim Turecki-Chiodo, one of the owners' daughters. 1 Mario Viens 2 Wayne Morin 3 Shane McConvey 4 Derek Harker 5 Greg Neeld 6 Reg Lahey 7 Dave Peace Larry Gould 9 Bill Steele 10 Charlie Labelle 12 Dave Given 14 Jim Stanfield 15 Claude Noel 16 Guy Trottier 18 Keke Mortson 19 Paul Crowley 20 Denis Anderson 30 Jim Mackey
NAHL Welcomes Buffalo Norsemen As New Team Unveils Rink Plans, article (The Hockey News, 1975-05-23).htm
BUFFALO— The major news media personnel gathered at Buffalo’s Statler Hilton Hotel for a press conference called by the North American Hockey League to introduce the new Buffalo entry, which officially became known as the Norsemen. Greater Buffalo Hockey Club Inc. named its principal officers and they included Dr. Dudley Turecki, president and Dr. Syde Taheri, chairman of the board. The club’s general manager is Willie Marshall, a super star (before the word became popular) in the American Hockey League over a span of 20 years. Marshall holds most of that league’s career offensive records and his signing was a popular choice in the Buffalo area. Marshall also spent part of a couple of seasons with the NHL’s Toronto Maple Leafs. He has served as coachgeneral manager of two junior clubs since his retirement from the active ranks and looks upon his new job as a “big challenge.” This new position, in effect, will be Marshall’s first job in the pro ranks outside of his outstanding career as a player. Marshall has been serving as the manager of the Tonawanda Sports Center, the building the Norsemen will call home. The center is located in North Tonawanda, a suburb of Buffalo. The Buffalo club will begin the season in a building that will hold some 3,000 fans, sometime on or about Jan. 1, 1976 they are hoping to be playing in a new facility located adjacent to the present structure. The new facility should seat in the area of 6,000-6,500 when complete, if everything goes according to schedule. No coach was named by the new club but all indications pointed to a presently active player in the NHL or WHA (bet on the first one) joining this club as coach next year. Marshall indicated that the Norsemen would be naming a coach right after the NHL playoffs had concluded. They do have their man in mind but right now nothing has been signed. What this club does have is a place to play, a well known general manager, and a group of dedicated owners bent on becoming a successful franchise. They also enjoyed a big press splash from their conference that officially launched the team. Team and NAHL officials were hoping for the same kind of success that the Buffalo Sabres have enjoyed. The Sabres began their entrance into the NHL with a press conference in the same Statler Hiton in Buffalo. Commissioner Bob Dextraze was at the NHAL-run press gathering and was very pleased at not only the turnout but also for “the enormous genuine interest in us as expressed by the media.” Looking back at the NAHL finals, in a tale of two cities (Binghamton and Johnstown), both cities paid high tribute to their respective clubs even after the finals had ended. In Johnstown the Jets 4-0 series conquest was roundly received. Johnstown certainly enjoyed having a winning team. The morning after their final victory the citizens of Johnstown gathered on the sidewalks to pay tribute to their Jets. The Jet players rode in open cars amidst the noise and beat of a marching band. The Lockhart Cup, won the previous night by the players, was also there, riding in one of the open cars. Radio and television stations and the newspapers all joined in saluting the new Lockhart Cup winners. It was something that the Jet players and management had to really enjoy. In Binghamton, the team may have lost the series but they didn’t lose their hard core fans. The Booster Club organized a banquet for the team and presented several awards. Each player received a gift from the Booster Club at the party held just a few days after the finals had ended. Some of the major award winners were Rod Bloomfield (most valuable player). Dale McBain (best defenseman), and Rick Lemay (best goaltender).
Mortson Giving Macon Fans Money’s Worth, article (The Hockey News, 1974-02-22).htm
MACON— Cleland Lindsay (Keke) Mortson came into the Southern Hockey League with a reputation as being a colorful athlete and the 39-year-old skater certainly hasn’t let anyone down. Critics label him a “hot dog” and a “show-off” and several unprintable things. But neutral observers agree he is simply an exciting player to watch, one with a flair for entertaining the fans, giving the fans a little extra. And it should not be overlooked that even at 39 years old — and with the added responsibilities of being the coach and general manager of the Macon Whoopees as well as a player — he is still a talented athlete. Athletes who are both talented and colorful are rare, and ol’ 99 — that’s Keke’s number — is one of them. A veteran of 22 years of professional hockey, Mortson is worth the price of admission, according to most observers arounckthe SHL. I’ve never put on a show to hurt my own club,” says Mortson. “Basicially, everything I do is spontaneous. People will go home from the game and not remember anybody on my club unless it’s me. Maybe I’ve given them something extra, something to bring them back. “There’s nothing worse than losing unless it’s losing and not having any fun. 1 still think hockey is fun, even when you lose. Of course. I’d rather not be noticed and get a win. But still, you can’t take the fun out of the game.” Some examples of Keke’s fun: When fans in Charlotte started calling him a dirty old man, Mortson waited between periods one night so he’d be the last to leave the ice; he then put his stick under his arm and limped off the ice as if he were using a crutch. He often pounds his chest, sometimes a la Tarazen and sometimes as if he’s so old he’s lost his breath — which isn’t likely since he’s one of the best conditioned athletes in any sport. Also, he likes to skate up to the opposition’s policeman during a stoppage in play and nudge him in the ribs — and then skate away as fast as possible. “The fans like those things.” he says, “so why not do them?” When it’s time to play, Mortson may be the best center in the league. After a slow start, he has moved to fifth place in league scoring with 70 points in 58 games. He’s second in assists with 48 and he’s respected as a clutch performer. SOUTHERN HOCKEY LEAGUE A man of extreme self-confidence, he isn’t moaning about his first coaching assignment, although the Whoopeesare in fourth place, struggling to stay ahead to Winston-Salem and earn a playoff spot in the five-team league. The Whoopees have undergone numerous player changes because of call-ups by their World Hockey Association parent clubs. Houston and Cleveland. Also, financial problems made the club’s future doubtful during mid-season. It isn’t a coincidence that the club soured on the ice at the same time. Such adversity doesn’t seem to bother ol’ 99. “We’ll be all right,” he says in his high-pitched voice. “Ol’ Keke has everything under control.” 1969-11-28 The other was Cleland ‘Keke’ Mortson, the fiery and controversial center of the Baltimore Clippers, who was sold outright to Vancouver Canucks of the WHL. Mortson, who is 35, has been a pro since 1953. He has spent seven of his last eight years in the AHL with Hershey and Baltimore. He was a 20-goal scorer last season with the Clippers but this season, like Horvath, fell victim to the club’s newly-introduced development youth program which has been instilled in practically all AHL clubs. Mar 3, 1972/vol. 25, issue 22 ‘Old Pro’ Mortson Showing Young Swords How it’s Done CINCINNATI— Keke Mortson has been around hockey for a long time—and he’s still going strong. He’s the kind of a guy you really need on a club, to help keep things loose when the tension starts to grow. And that’s been the role he has played this year as captain of the fledgling Cincinnati Swords, contenders for the title in the West ern Division of the American Hockey League. But Keke, who hates to admit it but hesitatingly will tell you that his first name is Cleland, is more than just a happy-go-lucky puck chaser. As a matter of fact, teaming up with players almost two decades his junior, he has been a consistent point-maker all year and headed the scoring parade for the Swords with 54 points in the first 54 games. Numbered among his impressive total are 14 goals and 40 assists, and he has tallied three game-winning goals and a like number of power play goals. He’s also one of the most durable members of the Cincinnati squad, as he, along with Doug Rombough and Jim Nichols, is the only skater to have appeared in every contest his season. Mortson is high on his two linematers, wingers Butch Dead-marsh and Rick Dudley. “They’re both young,” he pointed out, “and a look for them to go a long way in professional hockey. Remember, Butch only scored 11 goals last season and he’s developed rapidly to the point that he already has lit the red light 24 times for us this year. “And Dudley, while he hasn’t been scoring so frequently, has all the tools to be a good one, too. He gives out 100 per cent all the time and is a fine team player. He’s tough, too (as Dudley’s 253 minutes in penalties attest) and he looks like a cinch to improve real fast.” Keke doesn’t make any bones about his age. “I’ll be 38 in a month,” he said. “And I consider myself lucky to be playing. I love this game of hockey, which has been real good to me, and I would say that right about now I’m halfway home to heaven. After all, you might say that I really haven’t had to work, because I’ve really enjoyed it.”
NEELD articles - CAHA Decision Keeps Neeld In Limbo; Centennials Need Him To Stay In Race, article (The Hockey News, 1974-11-08).htm
CALGARY— Greg Neeld should have fastened his seat belt when his Junior hockey career hit top acceleration. He has experienced more turbulence than most young prospects. Neeld began his Tier One tale last season as a promising 18-year old defenseman with Toronto Marlboros of the Ontario Hockey Association’s Major Junior A league. But on Dec. 7, 1973 he came in collision with Dave Maloney of Kitchener Rangers on a play which was to make headlines across the country. Hospitalized from an errant high stick, Neeld eventually lost his left eye as a result of the incident and generally missed the rest of the season. He was not to be deterred from the pursuit of his boyhood dream, however. Neeld was back with the Marlies this season through exhibition play and the first four regularly-scheduled games wearing a helmet and a protective shield. But he was not at all pleased with the amount of ice time he was receiving. Marlies were carrying seven defensemen. Neeld wanted to see more action. So he headed west to the Calgary Centennials of the Western Canada Hockey League, where two of his brothers play in the organization. In the process, he became the eye of another hurricane. Neeld was in the Centennial lineup for two games before he received his formal release from the OH A or the Canadian Amateur Hockey Association. “There was no way Neeld could play in Calgary until he is released by Toronto. waived out of the OHA Major Junior A League and then given an east-west transfer by the CAHA.” said Gordon Juckes. executive-director of the CAHA. Neeld actually did receive a verbal commitment from the Marlboros. Beyond that, he was not aware of all the technicalities involved. Frank Bonello, Marlboros’ general manager, agreed generally that he is in compliance with the shift. “I promised Greg I wouldn’t stand in his way… but I haven’t released him. The release is up to the CAHA. This way, if the east-west transfer does not come through, he is still ours to trade to another OH A club,” Bonello said. In the meantime. Neeld has been ordered to sit out of the Calgary lineup by WCHL president Ed Chynoweth until the controversy is settled. And the red tape was expected to take from 10 days to two weeks. “I think the whole thing has been blown out of proportion,” indicated Chynoweth. “Certainly some of our people jumped the gun. The CAHA has rules set down and our people should have followed them. “But things have been straightened away now and we’ll wait for the proper processes to take effect,” added Chynoweth. “I still think you’ll see Greg Neeld in our league, not because we’re trying to rob OHA players but because the OHA will waive him and the CAHA will give him his transfer.” In the meantime a talented hockey player sits in the wings according to Centennial general manager Scott Munro, and at the moment the Calgary club could use his abilities along the blueline. With nine games gone in the schedule, the Cents are still winless with six defeats and only three ties to show for their efforts. “This guy Neeld is just a heck of a player,” offered Munro. “He cleans penalties in the 19 games he played with the Marlies last season. And he hasn’t let the loss of an eye affect his aggressive style of play. In his four games with the Marlies this year, he had 27 penalty minutes including a major for fighting and in his first game as a Centennial he picked up 16 minutes including a double major for foghting. Neeld described his fight in the OHA against a Sault Ste. Marie player this way: “Their guy took a cheap shot at one of our guys, a cheap shot from be hind. I went over and suggested he ought not do that again. He dropped his gloves and the fight was on. And yeah, I won. “If I was conscious of the eye. I wouldn’t be playing,” continued Neeld. “You just go out and give it your damndest. “I had been interested in coming to Calgary for quite some time,” said Neeld. “My young brother Rob was in Calgary and is part of the Centennials’ organization. He told me all about it and how good it was and I decided if I would make a move it would be to Calgary. “I wouldn’t say I’m upset about it all. I’d say it’s a real letdown. I’d like to be playing,” added Neeld. “Toronto could be tough about it but I don’t think so. At least, I hope not.” In the meantime. Neeld’s junior hockey career once again consists of crossing his fingers and hoping he’ll be able to play as soon as possible. It’s not as if a guy’s Junior eligibility runs forever and time is running out on Greg Neeld. 1976-01-02 NAHL Opens Doors Of Pro Hockey To Neeld BUFFALO— Young Greg Neeld spent much of last summer fighting legal battles designed to allow him to play pro hockey in Buffalo. Now he is doing just that, even if it is not exactly as he envisioned it. Neeld of course is the Sabres draft choice who has been barred from signing with the NHL team by a league rule which declares players who have suffered his disability ineligible. Neeld lost the sight of his left eye while _ playing an OHA game two seasons ago. The right hand shooting defenseman has signed with the Toronto Toros and been assigned to Buffalo Norsemen. He played his first NAHL game in a 8-1 Norsemen victory over the Maine Nordiques. And while he did not score any points in that win. he showed flashes of the talent that made him a potential NHL first round pick before his injury. Since the injury. Neeld has suffered setbacks to his attempted comeback but never has given up pursuit of his goal of a major league career. He was prohibited from returning to OHA competition so he moved to Calgary to play his last year of Juniors with the WCHL Centennials where he was a 29-goal scorer. When he was barred from signing with the Sabres he at first decided to attend school and play semi-pro hockey with the Reno Broncos of the SWHL. When that team folded earlier this season he was left with no place to play at all. But the still was convinced that the could return too organized hockey. Greg now wears a specially designed helmet with a protective mask that entirely covers his face. And after experimenting with a move to forward to see if that would ease his readjustment. he has returned to his natural position, defense. Were there ever two teams that need a good defenseman they are the Toros and the Norsemen. The Toros have been desparate for capable major league defensemen. which made a gamble on Neeld all the more attractive. Gilles Leger of the Toros explained his club’s decision to sign the young seter thusly: “At the time Greg was originally injured John Bassett (Toros owner) promised him that the could have a shot with the Toros if he wanted one. We need good major league defensemen and think Greg has the ability to be one.” Minnesota Fighting Saints held the WHA draft rights to Neeld. The Toros acquired him by giving Minnesota the WHA rights to Bill Nyrop. Leger is enthusiastic that the deal for Neeld will turn out to be a steal. “He shoots well, skates well, and is very strong fundamentally. And he has already improved markedly in playing the body, playing the man.” [later article says WHA wouldnt let him in] Nevertheless Leger wants to give the youngster some time to adjust to the pros, thus his status as the newest Buffalo Norseman. That sits just fine with the Norsemen, who along with the Toros have been crying for defensive help, and it also sits just fine with the league itself. Commissioner Jack Timmins stated, “Neeld obviously has a lot of determination to make it in pro hockey and we are very happy that the is getting his first chance in the NAHL.” And how does Neeld feel about this rejuvenated pro career? He has no doubts now; he feels that the can completely compensate for his handicap. As he explained to Mike Billoni of the Tonawanda News, “I had to learn to put my head to the left and look straight ahead. Now I can do it instinctively. I have gotten back my peripheral vision and my hearing has improved so much and is so crisp that I can tell exactly how far away other players are just by sound.” Coach Guy Trottier summed up succinctly, “He is better than most hockey players with full vision.” Feb 10, 1995/vol. 48, issue 21 Neeld faced blind justice in NHL bid Talent wasn’t enough for Greg Neeld to play in the NHL. The league’s by-law against one-eyed players saw to that. But talent could be enough for David-Alexandre Beauregard. In 1977, Neeld won a New York state court case against the American League for his right to play. If Beauregard pursues his NHL dream through the courts, he would be building on the legal ease Neeld began 18 years ago. “If (Beauregard) wants to continue, he could use that as a precedent and probably have it turned over if the NHL decides to keep him from playing,” said Neeld, 39, now working for a security systems company in Vancouver. Having been denied his own NHL career, he would like nothing better. The common bond between Neeld and Beauregard is an opponent’s errant stick and enough ability and desire to overcome adversity. Beauregard, a 19-year old with the St-Hyacinthe Laser and 1994 San Jose Shark draft pick, lost his left eye in a Quebec League game earlier this season. He has since rejoined the Laser. Neeld was a consensus first-round pick before he was struck in the left eye by a stick from Kitchener Ranger Dave Maloney in an Ontario League game in 1973. Buffalo Sabres’ general manager Punch Imlach still saw enough in Neeld’s potential to warrant a significant gamble in the 1974 draft-a fourth-round selection on a one-eyed defenseman whom NHL administrators shunned like the plague. League officials and his agent Alan Eagleson, advised Neeld to quit and return to school for his own safety. He fought them all. Neeld never did make it to hockey’s highest level. Imlach’s effort to bypass the NHL by-law was quickly blocked and Neeld lost a U.S. antitrust suit against the league. But his perseverance laid the groundwork for Beauregard to complete the inroads Neeld began. With a new lawyer. Neeld went after the AHL, where Imlaeh initially wanted him to play. U.S. District Court judge John T. Blfvin invoked the state’s human rights law in striking down the league’s by-law. Neeld kept playing in other leagues throughout the legal battles. A six-year career took him through the International and North American Leagues, the World Hockey Association and Europe. Two years after the injury he had learned how to carry his head tilted to the left, with his right eye focused straight ahead to expand his field of vision. “All my skills were the same, but I couldn’t see the plays happening like before,” Neeld said. He eventually received a $100,000 out-of-court settlement from the NHL ($75,000 of which went for lawyer’s costs) to stop pursuing his case. His lawyers told him they would quit if he didn’t accept the deal. “I didn’t want their money,” he said. “I wanted to play in the NHL.”
Gould Major Force Behind Buffalo Offense, NAHL pennant race, Lou Nistico, articles (The Hockey News, 1975-12-05).htm
Gould Major Force Behind Buffalo Offense The Buffalo Norsemen have what is now the most potent offense in the North American Hockey League. In three games last week the Norsemen scored 18 goals to raise their league leading total of goals-scored to 78. The major portion of Buffao’s fire-power has been generated by their number one line of Larry Gould, Steve Atkinson and Bryan McSheffrey. Last week it was Gould who showed the way by scoring points in the Buffs three encouters. Larry began his big week with a six-point performance against the Beauce Jaros. He scored one powerplay goal, one unassisted shorthanded goal, and one even-handed goal for a hat trick, plus added three assists. He closed his week by assisting on three goals, including the tying and go-ahead goals, in a 43 win in Maine. Larry Gould’s eleven-point week was enough to move him up to second place in the NAHL scoring race, and it was more than enough to make him the North American Hockey League player of the week for the week of November 10 thru November 16. NAHL Gearing Up For Hottest Pennant Race BUFFALO— The cold depths of winter may be just around the corner, but these chips say that the fans in at least three Western Division rinks are never going’ to notice. They should be warmed by what looms as the hottest pennant race in the three-year history of the NAHL. As the teams neared the Thanksgiving quarter pole, Johnstown, Buffalo, and Erie were all taking turns at holding first place and unsuccessfully fighting off the challenges of the other two. And right behind those three was Philadelphia, a pre-season favorite that started dismally but has been coming on strong as of late. How close has the chase been? In one four-day period from November 15 to November 18 the Norsemen, Jets and Blades all had been in the top spot at one time or another. That is close. Closer than the races in either of the league’s first two years when it consisted of one division only. In each of those years Syracuse won fairly easily after being challenged early. In 1973-74 the Blazers outdistanced the Maine Nordiques by 19 points. Last year the Blazers held off the Firebirds by 12 points. The 1975-76 Western Division race could be much closer than either of those. The Norsemen have won eight of ten and eleven of fourteen with an offense filling the nets at a faster rate than the 1973-74 Nordiques who hold the NAHL record with 398. Their offense has been hyped even further by the recent addition of Lou Nistico from the Toronto Toros. The Jets are challenging partly due to continued success on the road. Last season’s Lochhart Cup champs posted the top road record in the NAHL. This year’s Jets trail only Cape Cod in that category and have come on strong, losing only once in their last four forays into enemy rinks. Erie has taken a more traditional approach. They have yet to lose in eight starts at the Erie County Fieldhouse. Also in the tradition of hockey winners, they have the best goals-against mark of the ten NAHL teams. Certainly not to be dismissed yet are the Firebirds, who in winning five of their last six have nudged themselves ever closer to the leaders that everyone figured that they would be among. They match Buffalo by having four players listed in the league’s top twenty scorers thru Nov. 16. If they could cut down on their goals-against they could easily climb right into the thick of things. f0036-01 Lou Nistico A four-team race would be a luxury never before experienced in the NAHL. And that is only one of the two divisions. BEAUCE: Les Jaros boast the league leading scorer in Jocelyn “Joe” Hardy, who had accumulated 34 points and 14 goals, both pacesetting figures, in his first 14 games. But the hottest Beauce scorer or late has been Richard Grenier, the former New York Islander, who had one stretch where he scored eight goals in five games. Grenier’s center Dwayne Byers has taken to wearing a knitted toque while playing. That has to be a pro first. The Jaros had available some pretty fair talent as spare goaltenders when regular netminder Yves Archambault was sitting out a recent suspension. First Detroit loaned Jim Makey and then Vancouver sent Bruce Bullock. BINGHAMTON: The Dusters have set a record that they didn’t want. Their currently running streak of eight losses in a row snapped their previous record of six set in 1973-74 and matched last year. But not until Buffalo swamped them 9-1 on Nov. 17 had they lost by more than two goals during the skein. Three of those losses were in overtime, they had one other one goal loss, and they lost three times by a pair. Considering the team that the Dusters had sidelined by injury their plight was easily explainable. Center Rob Walton was leading the team in scoring when he was sidelined by a knee injury. Randy MacGregor, another knee victim had yet to play in 1975-76. Ditto for right wing Barry Brooks. Bill Gratton had been lost ever since his freak injury suffered in a fight in Erie. Veteran defenseman Paul Laplante had been sidelined by a succession of maladies, the most recent being broken ribs. BUFFALO: Lou Nistico was a second team All Star at Mohawk Valley last year before being promoted to the Toronto Toros. His second-half Toronto performance and his flamboyant onice personality made him a Maple Leaf, Gardens darling, just as he had been in Utica. A six-goal in six-game playoff performance made him the Toros most effective post-season performer. But Lou had had his problems this season and eventually was demoted to the Norsemen. Typically, the 5’7” pepperpot scored two goals, rang the pipe with a blistering slapper in missing his hat, and had a fight in his first appearance in the Green and Gold. Louis was named First Star in that initial start. He is well on his way to becoming a favorite in the Queen City. CAPE COD: General managercoach Larry Kish shook up the NAHL by making two major trades within 24 hours. Firsthe landed right wing Mike Boland from Philadelphia in exchange for defenseman Mike Penasse. Boland was a second team All Star last year. Then he pulled a surprise by selling former Cape Cod Cub super star Luc Simard to the Beauce Jaros. Simard had been lured back to the Cape this season after he spent a year in the AHL. Kish explained the moves bv a saving. “Boland gives us a natural right wing who will give us experience and goal producttion. Although Luc had already scored eight goals, he had not played well of late. The additions of Nick Fotiu and Boland give us a set lineup up front and Luc became expendable.” ERIE: The Blades attracted their largest home crowd since their off season move to the Pennsylvania city when 3,728 showed up for a game with Cape Cod. The fans were treated to the Blades’ eighth consecutive home win when Erie whipped the Codders 6-3. They also saw Codder captain Bob Charlebois earn the dubious honor of being the first player given a mis-conduct under the NHAL’s new penalty structure. Charlebois argued a bit too strenuously with referee Alan Glaspell. He received an automatic one-game suspension for his labor. MAINE: After ten straight losses the Nordiques won three in succession, over Johnstown, Binghamton, and Mohawk Valley. All three in succession, over Johnstown, Binghamton, and Mohawk Valley. All three were by identical scores of 4-3 and the Duster and Comet wins were in overtime. All of which prompted general manager Mo Ducharme to comment, “I relax whenever the score gets to 3-3.” Not so soon, Mo. The Nordiques turned right around and dropped their next two games by scores of, you guessed it, 4-3. MOHAWK VALLEY: Brian McKenzie is off to the best start in his pro career with nine goals and 11 assists. Mac was the eighteenth player chosen in the 1971 NHL Amateur Draft, buthe has never lived up to the promise indicated by his second round selection. He did score 18 times in the WHA two years ago, and he had 28 goals in 55 NAHL games with the Comets last year. But reports out of Utica say that Brian is putting forth the best effort of his five-year career. The results he is getting substantiate it. PHILADELPHIA: Trainer David Settlemyre was activated as backup goaltender when Ron Marlow was injured. Gregg Pilling chanced that he might stir the Firebirds into playing a tight game on the road when he started Settlemyre in Mohawk Valley. Pilling’s gamble failed. Both teams played wide open hockey; the Comets took 47 shots at Settlemyre. So much for strategy. By the way…Settlemyre stopped 46 of those shots to stone the Comets 4-1. Pretty heady stuff for a kid from Greensboro, N. C. who started in hockey as a stickboy for the then EHL Generals. Settlemyre, Pilling’s trainer at both Roanoke Valley and Philly, works out every day with the team and has in the past played a handful of games in both the EHL and NAHL while serving as an emergency backup. But this was the first time he had ever started, finished and won. The Firebirds biggest disappointment continues to be the knee miseries of Tom Young. The right winger was being counted on as one of the Birds leading scorers. So far he hasn’t a point in nine games in between trips to the disabled list. SYRACUSE: Rick Newell only played six games with the Blazers before deciding to retire in order to return to law school. Newell has already completed one year towards his graduate degree. Bim McFall was reactivated to fill Newell’s spot on the roster. McFall had been waived by the Blazers earlier in the season. Danny Belisle has named Craig Reichmuth captain and has appointed Pat Russell, Terry West and Brian Bowles as his alternates. Reichmuth and Blazer vice-president Don Swete received the Governors Cup from commissioner Jack Timmins in recent pre-game ceremonies at the Onondaga War Memorial. The Blazers thought they would be happy returning home after eight games on the road but they dropped two of three, including 7-1 bombing by Erie.
We'll be back, say Norsemen directors, article (Peter Drumsta, c1976-04).JPG
Trottier fined and suspended, article (Mike Billoni, c.1976-02-20).jpg
Rest of NAHL teams battling for playoff spots, article (Gary Clark, Hockey news, 1976-02-20).jpg
Norsemen story is exciting one, transcribed article (Peter Drumsta, c.1976-03-26).jpg
Norsemen Story Is Exciting One By PETER DRUMSTA Not only did the Buffalo Norsemen avoid an abrupt ending to their season. They did it in an exhilarating, storybook manner which showed they might be on the brink of something even bigger. The Norsemen, faced with elimination from the Lockhart Cup playoffs, scrambled to a 3-2 victory over the Johnstown Jets Thursday evening before 1531 in the Tonawanda Sports Center to tie their quarter-final series at two games apiece. The teams will meet in a fifth and final game tomorrow evening in Johnstown, Pa., where the Norsemen have been unable to score a victory in five regular-season and two post-season games. Buffalo matched the defending North American Hockey League champions in every phase of their game — skating, scoring, and scrapping. When it was over, the beaten Jets demonstrated their frustration by touching off a shoving match as they left the ice. The Norsemen stood up to the intimidating tactics of the Jets, fell two goals behind, then rallied for a tie and completed the game-long uphill climb with the deciding goal. --- GALEN HEAD scored for Johnstown on the Jets’ first shot on goal, just 11 seconds into the game. With both teams asserting themselves, 75 minutes in penalties were called in a brawling first period. Late in the second period, Head scored again for the Jets, springing free on a mixup by Buffalo in its own end. But veteran Keke Mortson deflected in a shot by Larry Gould just over a minute later, and Billy Steele banged a short drive past Louie Levasseur to tie the game just before the end of the period. Both were power-play goals. By the third period, the Jets had abandoned their fighting tactics, but the speed of the Norsemen forced them into penalties. Claude Noel finally broke through for the winner, on a shot that rolled over the sprawling Levasseur and into the net. --- BUFFALO OUTSHOT the Jets, 36-29, but Norseman goaltender Mario Vien was called upon to make some spectacular saves in his first start of the series. The Buffalo defensive corps managed to cover up during the final 7½ minutes to protect the lead. The feeling around the Buffalo locker room was one of confidence. “If we can keep our composure,” said Steele, “and maybe take a few dives, that’ll help us. The longer the game stays close, the better we’ll do.” Player-Coach Guy Trottier, sitting out a two-game suspension as well as a painful back injury, felt that his club’s power play made the difference. “We played their style and they can’t take it,” he said. “Down there the bounces go their way, but if we stick together, we can do it.” --- GREG NEELD, the defenseman who will be back for tomorrow’s game after a two-game suspension, was involved in a scuffle with the Jets’ Steve Carlson as the teams filed off the ice. No penalties resulted from the incident.
Norsemen still fighting odds in playoff battle, article (Tonawanda News, 1976-03-16).jpg
Norsemen nip Jets 3-2, tie series in fight-filled game, transcribed article (Courier-Express, c.1976-03-26).jpg
Norsemen Nip Jets, 3-2, Tie Series in Fight-Filled Game Claude Noel’s goal from point-blank range after 12:24 of the third period gave the Buffalo Norsemen a 3-2 comeback victory over the Johnstown Jets Thursday night, squaring their best-of-five North American Hockey League quarter-final playoff series at two games apiece. A Tonawanda Sports Center turnout of 1,531 witnessed the penalty-packed thriller, which ended with a battle among Johnstown’s Jeff Carlson, suspended Norseman Greg Neeld and a Tonawanda sportswriter. The Johnstown team left the arena with the aid of a police escort. Erase 2-0 Deficit The two teams will meet in the series deciding game at 7:30 p.m. Saturday in Johnstown. Buffalo overcame a 2-0 deficit to even the series. Winger Galen Head scored both Jet goals, the first after just 11 seconds of the hectic opening period. That frame had 18 of the game’s 24 penalties called by referee Ron Fournier. There were fights galore in the opening 20 minutes. Perhaps the most lively featured Norsemen winger Reg Lahey and Jean Petro, a Johnstown winger. Each received five minutes for fighting, but Petro was tagged with an additional 10-misconduct penalty. Head’s unassisted goal gave the Jets a 2-0 lead after 14:01 of round two. After Jet goaltender Lou Levasseur was penalized for delaying the game, veteran Keke Mortson put Buffalo on the board with a power play goal at 15:07 with assists from Larry Gould and Denis Anderson. Steele Ties Score About three minutes later, the Norsemen got even on another power play as winger Billy Steele blasted a 15-footer between Levasseur’s legs. Then, at 12:24 of the third frame, Noel took a pass in front of the net from Paul Crowley and whipped a shot off Levasseur’s pads. The puck caromed over the sprawled netminder and into the net for the winning goal. Charlie LaBelle also drew an assist. After the game, Neeld (the one-eyed defenseman) became embroiled in a dispute with Carlson as the Jets left the ice. Neeld was in civilian clothes, sitting out the second game of a two-game suspension. A Tonawanda sportswriter tried to intervene in Neeld’s behalf and was pelted in the face by Carlson’s stick and glove. Carlson later apologized. 27 Stops for Vien Fournier tried to block the Norsemen from leaving the ice, intending to keep the two teams separated. But Guy Trottier, the Norsemen coach also under a playing suspension, helped his players break through the referee. Buffalo goaltender Mario Vien made 27 saves and received the first star. Steele was awarded the second and Levasseur the third. Johnstown is the NAHL’s Western Division champion. Buffalo finished fourth in that division during the season.
Norsemen lose twice, article (Ed Helinski, Tonawanda News, c.1976-02-16).jpg
Norsemen guarantee is a fizzler, article (c1976-01-14).jpg
NAHL suspends, fines Trottier, article (Peter Drumsta, c1976-02-18).JPG
N-men set for playoffs after tough season, article (Mike Billoni, Tonawanda News, 1976-03-18).JPG
Mortson's hat trick leads Norsemen's 7-5 win at Aud, article (c.1976-02-14).jpg
Keke Mortson bolsters Norsemen playoff drive, article (Norsemen Magazine, 1976-02-13).jpg
Former Norsemen with Sabres, Claude Noel, article (Mike Billoni, Tonawanda News, 1976-09-18).jpg
Dusters subdue Norsemen 7-6, article (c.1976-03-18).jpg
Dusters' Cheropita blanks Norsemen, article (Ed Helsinki, Tonawanda News, 1976-02-23).jpg
A disheartening ending for the Norsemen, article (Peter Drumsta, Buffalo News, c. 1976-03-29).jpg
Norsemen charge "goons" after Johnstown debacle, article (Albert L. Hershey, c. 1976-03-30).jpg
[cont'd] Check from behind Campigotto skated into the Norsemen's end of the rink, cross-checked Neeld from the back during the pregame warmup, and “knocked him flying,” in a “goon hockey” tactic. Commissioner John Timmins was unavailable for comment, as he left Johnstown after the disputed game for the Jets' en- counter with the Philadelphia Firebirds in the first game of the semifinal round. The league public relations di- rector, Gary Clark, said the decision to forfeit was made by the ownership of the Norsemen, but the commissioner tried for an hour to get them to reverse their decision and play. He said according to league bylaws a forfeit is declared five minutes after game time, and Referee Steve Dowling had ordered that the clock be started. Clark said no one from the commissioner's office is sure exactly what did happen, as the incident occurred before game time. Clark said he was just coming into the arena at the time. Another Version But, he said, observers disputed Trottier's claim that the Jets just attacked Neeld. Clark said he understood both teams were skating full circle, when Neeld and Campigotto exchanged words and began fighting, which led to a melee on the ice. Trottier said the Jets' Steve Carlson, who had a cast on his right arm; Dave Hanson and Campigotto all started mugging Neeld at the Buffalo end of the ice. The player-coach said Carlson then turned on the Norsemen's Charlie Labelle and hit him across the face with the cast. Neeld was treated for a con- cussion and Labelle for bruises. The fans became incensed when the Norsemen refused to come out for the start of the game, and about 300 of them blocked the passage from the dressing room. Rock Breaks Window About 1½ hours after the game was called, Johnstown police arrived with K-9 dogs and cordoned off a path so the visiting team could board its bus. A rock was thrown through a window of the bus, but no one was injured. The decision not to play was made by Marshall and several of the owners, including Dr. Dudley Turecki, Richard DiVita and Barnard Hewitt. “Naturally we took the team off the ice,” Marshall said, “we had two players who couldn’t play . . . they beat up a couple of our stars.” Marshall continued: “Now the league goes along and they forfeit the game, and they fine us for being the victims. If that is any type of justice, hockey has taken a giant step backwards.” There had been bad blood between the two teams and the Johnstown fans, and in a previous playoff in Johnstown Neeld was given a game misconduct when he threw his stick into the stands at the end of the game. The Jets were given a police escort out of town after Thursday night’s game with the Norsemen in the Tonawanda Sports Center. The Norsemen won that game, deadlocking the series. “The people of Buffalo, North Tonawanda and Niagara Falls got a raw deal,” Trottier said. “I didn’t see any of their guys suspended. There are guys in the league who are not hockey players, guys who can’t shoot, and can’t skate, and can’t pass, but can only fight.” The playoff series between the Norsemen, who finished fourth, and the Jets, who won the Western Division, was deadlocked at two games each, setting the stage for Saturday’s finale in Johnstown. Series Was Tied Trottier, who was sitting out a two game suspension, said the Norsemen took the ice about 7:25, and were skating in their zone when Johnstown came on the ice about two minutes later, and eventually came into the Norsemen zone and took on the two Buffalo players. Neeld, who was knocked unconscious, was helped off the ice by his teammates. Goalie Jim Makey also was roughed up.
Pro Stars Take Swipe At Violence, NAHL takes steps, Norsemen look like contender, Riot on Ice, articles (Hockey News, 1975-11-28)
Pro Stars Take Swipe At Violence MONTREAL- There is mixed emotion about the growing violence in professional hockey. Some argue that it is blown out of all proportion. Others acknowledge that it is on the increase. Curt Bennett of the At lanta Flames hates to have to use his fists to teach rival NHL players the meaning of respect. But if he had to, Bennett will react. “I don’t particularly like to go out and beat people up,” said the 195-pound forward who holds a brown belt in Karate. ‘‘That’s not part of my game. In college it was against the rules and considered unsportsmanlike but in the pros it’s looked on with favor.” Bennett is ranked as one of the NHL’s better fighters but he detests fighting. Thinks it takes too much away from hockey. He also thinks the Philadelphia Flyers have gone overboard in their intimidation program in recent years. Bennett isn’t the only pro to draw a bead on the rough stuff that’s going on around hockey. Bobby Hull staged a one-weekend strike to emphasize his discontent over the increasing rough stuff and brawling that was becoming a part of the WHA. He says hockey was getting too brutal and players were being seriously injured by stick-swinging players. Hull said that unless the WHA cleaned up its act, he was ready to quit the game. The recent at tack by Dan Maloney on Toronto’s Brian Glennie has again aroused the diehards who are campaigning to have hockey cleaned up. Maloney is facing an assault with bodily harm charge Dec. 1 in Toronto after beating up on Glennie as he lay helpless on the ice. The Maloney affair is being compared to the Dave Forbes-Henry Boucha incident of last season when Forbes struck Boucha in the eye during an altercation on the ice. Punch Imlach of Buffalo thinks, minor, double “the whole hockey violence thing has been blown out of proportion. It’s hard to define what this guy (Ontario at torney general Roy McMurty) is talking about. The law is the law and hockey business is hockey business. Everyone has their definition of violence in hockey. Mine is two guys standing there hitting each other over the head with their sticks,” said Imlach. Punch said he wouldn’t change his thinking of hockey for anyone. “People take this stuff too seriously. In all my years with the Sabres I haven’t seen excessive violence. We’ve got some guys that play tough but don’t break the law.” Glennie, who suffered a mild concussion and was hospitalized overnight after the pummeling by Maloney, didn’t comment on the incident or the violence in hockey but his wife, Barbara, did. She said that she has noticed an increase in rough stuff in hockey since her husband began playing proeight years-ago. NAHL Takes Unprecedented Steps To Curb Growing Hockey Violence BUFFALO— Commissioner John E. Timmins of the North American Hockey League has announced unprecedented rule revisions that if universally adopted could change the face of hockey. He instituted the most sweeping changes in league penalties for player misconducts and the most severe penalty for the “third man” in a fight in the history of professional hockey. The NAHL had been plagued with an unusually high incidence of misconducts and major brawls early this season, a situation seemingly besetting all pro leagues and a situation which precipitated the commissioner’s action. Effective Nov. 13 the following structure for league fines and suspensions as a result of player misconducts went into effect in the three year old league: MISCONDUCTS 1st offense: fine $50.00; suspension one game. 2nd offense: fine $100.00; suspension two games. 3rd offense: fine $150.00; suspension indefinite. GAME MISCONDUCTS 1st offense: fine $100.00; suspension two games. 2nd offense: fine $150.00; suspension three games. 3rd offense: fine $200.00; suspension indefinite. MATCH MISCONDUCTS 1st offense: fine $250.00; suspension two games. 2nd offense: fine $300.00; suspension five games. 3rd offense: fine $350.00; suspension indefinite. The revised structure makes the NAHL the only league in all of professional hockey to assess automatic suspensions for all misconducts. In the past misconducts in the NAHL resulted in a fine of only 10 dollars, while game and match misconducts resulted in a fine of only 25 dollars; there were no automatic suspensions. In an equally significant change Timmins announced that henceforth the third man in any fight would be assessed a five minute match misconduct. This move extends by one step the rule adopted by the National Hockey League prior to the 197172 season, and since adopted by most professional leagues, whereby the third man is assessed a game misconduct. The distinction is a major one. Under the NHL rule only the individual is penalized. Under the NAHL version the team may also be severely penalized. When a player is given a match misconduct he is not only barred from the game but his team skates shorthanded for the full duration of the penalty, regardless of how many times the opposition scores. A team may immediately substitute for a player handed a game misconduct. Furthermore, under the new structure dealing with misconducts any “third man” will automatically receive at least a four game suspension and only that if it is his first such offense. The NAHL had used the NHL version of the third man rule during its first two years. But this year the league had been operating under the World Hockey Association rule, also revised this year, of allowing the referee discretion to penalize the third man with either a minor, or misconduct penalty. In making the changes Timmins commented, “We want a tough, hard hittings action packed hockey league. We do not want endless dead spots where players argue with referees, mill about endlessly, and bore the fans who pay to see. hockey with their needless charades and histrionics. We do not want a league where a clean one on one fight is at any time liable to erupt into a vicious brawl,” The immediate reaction to the change was almost universally positive. When notified of the change WHA supervisor of officials Bob Frampton, whose referees officiate all NAHL games, was enthusiastic. Robbie Roberts, director of operations of the league’s Erie Blades commented, “Finally hockey will give its game and its officials the same sanctity that baseball and football do. This is a major step for our sport. “ A major step indeed. The intent of the revisions is the virtual elimination of the behavior that leads to misconducts and therefore all misconducts themselves, said Tim-mins, “misconducts add nothing to the game; eliminating the behavior that results in misconducts will not diminish the game in the least. Misconducts don’t add to skating. They don’t add to stick handling. They don’t add to shooting, passing, checking, or even fighting. All they add to is the self-glorifying badgering of officials by players and also to senseless brutality. Who needs that? If the other leagues want that let them have it. We don’t and we wont.” One of the few negative comments came from a Syracuse Broadcaster who editorialized that the move would make the game fall into the hands of the referee. To which the commissioner replied, “the people we are going to give the game to are the fans who want a tight, action packed two and one half hour hockey game, not a three hour plus waltz. Besides, can you think of anyone better to give the game to than the referee?” Expansion Norsemen Look Like Strong Contender Gary Clark BUFFALO— Philadelphia Flyers…Buffalo Sabres…Vancouver Canucks. It hardly seems possible that less than a decade has passed since the beginning of the expansion era in hockey especially when you consider that three of the four divisional races in the NHL last year were won by those three teams, expansion teams all. The NHL claims an excellent achievement in parity to have created competitive expansion teams so soon. But the North American League will take second seat to none when it comes to successful expansion teams. They too have produced winners from new clubs, but will a difference. The NAHL has the knack for doing it instantaneously. In 1974-75 the NAHL introduced the Philadelphia Firebirds, and in doing so created a fine team. The Birds battled for first place most of the season and finished with a record of 40-31-.3 for a strong second place standing. In 1975-76 the League has another expansion team performing like a genuine contender, the Buffalo Norsemen. The parallels between the new Norsemen and the 1974-75 Firebirds are striking. Both teams are located in areas that are hockey mad. Both teams share their cities with fabulously successful NHL franchises. Both teams have working agreements with the “big brother” of their cities. And most importantly, the Norsemen are waging a see-saw battle for first place with the defending Lockhart Cup champions just as did the Firebirds last season. The Norsemen lost their first two games, but ever since their 12-1 rout of Mohawk Valley in their third, they have been rolling. Their record just prior to a two-game trip to Beauce and Maine stood at nine wins, four losses. That gave them 18 points, just one more that the Johnstown Jets, with whom they have been neck and neck since the second week of the season. The Norsemen have the look of a legitimate contender and not just an early-season pretender. They are strong in the nets and they have the firepower to match anyone goal for goal. In goal they have been receiving strong performances from young Houston Aero property Bill Cheropita and veteran major leaguer Les Binkley. They form an interesting tandem. Cheropita is long on natural ability and short on experience. Binkley makes up for what the years may have taken from his abiltiy with the savvy acquired in 271 major league games. But the Norsemen are not going to win any trophies for allowing the fewest goals in the NAHL. Their game is “you score six, I’ll score seven.” They have the horses to play it well. Their number one line has Steve At kinson centering for right wing Bryan McSheffrey and left wing Larry Gould. Whenever the Norsemen have a power play that trio is joined on the ice by player-coach Guy Trottier. A potent combination it is. Through 13 games all four of them were scoring at a pace that would shatter the NAHL season scoring record of 124 points held by Luc Simard. At kinson and Gould each had 26 points while McSheffrey had 21 and Trottier was close behind with 18. Trottier had scored 12 goals and seven of them had come on power plays. No figures are yet available from the NAHL for team power-play efficiency, but the Norsemen had to rank at or near the top. The Norsemen are thinnest at defense, where the recall of Paul Heaver left the team with only four blueliners, three of them pro rookies. No one realizes that problem better than general manager Willie Marshall who has been searching everywhere for experienced defensemen. So far the Norsemen’s formula for success seems to be to score as many goals as they can as quickly as they can and not to look back. Since they were leading the NAHL in scoring and were in first place in the League’s Western Division to boot, that doesn’t seem like such a bad idea after all. ■ “Riot On Ice” Mars NAHL ST. GEORGES DE BEAUCE— The North American’ Hockey League, like all other hockey leagues, has had its share of unfortunate incidents so far this season. But by far the most serious occurred on Fri. Nov. 7 when the Mohawk Valley Comets Beauce Jaros game being “played” in the Quebec city was halted after two periods of play because of what Brian Conacher called a “riot on the ice”. The game was declared “no contest” by referee Eric Manship. Manship’s action came after a fight-filled game erupted into total mayhem as the teams were leaving the ice for the second intermission. It was uncertain what precipitated the clash, but what was know was that there were idiotic acts of brutality by players of both teams. Among the incidents cited in referee Manship’s report to the commissioner: one player viciously biting another on the nose; one player breaking another player’s nose with a twohanded swing of a stick; one player beating on another despite the. second player’s apparent unconsciousness. Ugly would seem hardly a sufficient description for the scene. The Beauce fans were reported to have jeered and littered the ice in protest of what they were witnessing. Some were said to have demanded refunds for their season tickets. The reaction to the brawl by the or NAHL League Office was swift and stern. Commissioner Jack Timmins conferred by phone throughout Saturday with Manship and WHA Supervisor of Officials Bob Frampton. Within 24 hours of the game he had handed out four indefinite suspensions. Bannished were Jaros coach Marc Picard, Jaros’ players Gilles Bilodeau and Michel Gameau and Comets’ defenseman Bob O’Reilly. The commissioner pursued the investigation, taking a complete written report from Manship and meeting with him to confer personally. By the middle of the following week Timmins had announced the following suspensions: Michel Garneau, 10 games; Gilles Bilodeau, three games; Yves Arch-ambeault, three games; and O’Reilly, four games. Coach Picard continued under indefinite suspension. Stiff fines were also given with the suspensions. Garneau, who had been accused of other unjustifiable altercations and who had once before been suspended, was immediately placed on waivers by the Jaros and then released.
Norsemen Land Binkley From Toros, article (The Hockey News, 1975-10-31).jpg
BUFFALO: The Norsemen acquired two more former National Leaguers from the Sabres and Toros (they already had Guy Trottier and Steve Atkinson). From Toronto came goaltender Les Binkley, a veteran of five years in the NHL and three in the WHA. Binkley is 41 years old and coming off of a knee injury, but he should lend a steadying hand to young netminders Peter Crosbie and Bill Cheropita.
Norsemen's Trottier suspended for blast, article (Jim Baker, c.1976-02-17).JPG
NT Lumberjacks hockey, team photo (c.1977).jpg
NT Lumberjacks hockey, team photo (c.1976).jpg
Nelson Brochey was a fixture at the Tonawanda Sports Center in the mid 1970s, including the Norsemen's single season, attending many games and becoming an avid collector of Norsemen memorabilia. He also played for the Budwey Bells-sponsored Rangers and the NT Lumberjacks high school hockey team. The first photos are from our meeting at Coffee and Stone in North Tonawanda in 2025.
NAHL final season statistics (1975-1976).pdf
Johnstown Jets v Buffalo Norsemen, game program (c.1976-02-14).jpg
Courtesy of Nelson Brochey. Date uncertain.
NAHL rule changes have immediate impact (NAHL press release, 1975-12-10).jpg
Hank Taylor rookie of the year (NAHL press release, 1976-05-03).jpg
Buffalo Norsemen Complete Final scoring, penalty and goaltending stats; Lockhart Cup stats; Press release over forfeit, abeyance (NAHL).jpg
Big crowds, Trottier suspended indefinitely (NAHL press release, 1976-02-18).jpg
NAHL press release excerpts (1975-1976).htm
https://archive.org/details/nahl_press_releases_1975-76/page/n17/mode/2up League headquarters transition that season from Albany to Buffalo (30 Cayuga Road Williamsville, NY) OCT 30 - NOV 11 BUFFALO: Defenseman Paul Heaver recalled by Toronto Toros, Defenseman Rick Foley assigned by Toronto Toros. NOVEMBER 11 Norsemen in 1st place in Western Division, most wins and most goals league-wide. Also in November, Comets - Jaros "Riot on Ice" which results in "no-contest" decision and halting of game after 2nd. NAHL institutes new rules to crack down on violence. (Announced rule Nov 13 according to Billoni article). "Commissioner Jack Timmins conferred by phone throughout Saturday wit:n Mian ship and J.-IA Supervisor of Referees Bob Frame ton, and within 2w hours of the game he handed out four indefinite suspensions. Banished were Jaros coach marc Picard, Ja.ro players Gilles Bilodeau and Michel Garneau, and Comet player Bob 0 ’Reilly. Declared Timmins, "We will not tolerate any actions that will diminish the reputation that the NAI-IL has developed as a professional hockey league." NORTH AMERICAN HOCKEY LEAGUE ROSTER NOV 11 - NOV 17 BUFFALO: Defenseman Rich Foley removed from active roster, Foley released by Toronto Toros. Left wing Lou Nistico assigned by Toronto Toros. NOV 18 1975 (Player of the Week) NAHL PLAYER OF THE WEEK NOVEMBER 10 - NOVEMBER 16: LARRY GOULD The Buffalo Norsemen have what is now the most potent offense in the North American hockey League. In three games last week the Norsemen scored eighteen goals to raise their league leading total of goals scored to seventy-eight. The major portion of Buffalo’s firepower has been generated by their number one line of Larry Gould, Steve Atkinson, and Bryan McSheffrey* Last week it was Gould who showed the way by scoring eleven points in the Buffs three encounters. Larry began his big week with a six point performance against the Beauce Jaros. He scored one powerplay goal, one unassisted shorthanded goal, and one evenhanded goal for a hat trick, plus added three assists. He closed his week by assisting on three goals, including the tying and go-ahead goals, in a 4-3 win in Maine. Larry Gould’s eleven point week was enough to move him up to second place in the NAHL scoring race, and it was more than enough to make him the North American Hockey League Player of the Peek for the week of November 10 thru November I5. DECEMBER 3 - DECEMBER 8 BUFFALO: Goaltender BILL CHEROPITA placed on disabled list. Defenseman STEVE SIBA signed as free agent, SIBA later placed on disabled list. Goaltender CLIFF ADCOCK signed as free agent. DECEMBER 9 - DECEMBER 15 BUFFALO: Goaltender CLIFF ADCOCK and defenseman STEVE SIBA waived. Center LOU NISTICO recalled by Toronto Toros. Left wing FRED HUNT placed on disabled list. Centers JEAN-LUC PHANEUF and BOR D f AT.VTSE assigned by Toronto Toros. Goaltender BILL CHEROPITA activated from disabled list. DECEMBER 16 - DECEMBER 22 BUFFALO: Centers BOB D'ALVISE and JEAN-LUC PHANEUF recalled by Toronto Toros. Defenseman GREG NEELD assigned by Toronto Toros. Left wing FRED HUNT activated from the disabled list. DEC 23 PLAYER OF THE WEEK The captain of the Buffalo Norsemen, Steve Atkinson, has merited Player of the Week consideration several times this season. Off of his last week's performance his selection this time is unavoidable. The statistics speak for themselves*: Four games, three Buffalo wins, six goals, four assists, ten points. But they do not accurately describe Atkinson's total contributions to his club. Prior to 1975-76 Atkinson had spent the bulk of his career playing right wing. This season he was asked to tackle a new spot, center. He handled his assignment well enough to lead the League in scoring and spur the Norsemen to nine wins in eleven games early in the season. More recently, manpower shortages at defense have caused Guy Trottier to call on Atkinson to take an odd shift at the blueline. Last week Atkinson found himself playing three different positions: defense, center, and point on the power play. In addition, he took his usual turns killing penalties. Despite it all he managed the six goal performance. One of his four assists came on a key faceoff in overtime against Mohawk Valley, which he drew to Larry Gould for the game winning goal. Steve Atkinson's selection as North American Hockey League Player of the Week is probably long overdue, but because of his do-every thing performance of December 15 through December 21 he is finally receiving the recognition that he has deserved. DEC 23 - JAN 5 BUFFALO: Defenseman DAVE SYVRET and center STEVE ATKINSON purchased by Toronto Toros. Defenseman GEORGE KUZMICZ waived. Goaltender BILL CHEROPITA removed from the active roster, CHEROPITA on loan to Springfield Indians. Center BOB D'ALVISE assigned by Toronto Toros. Defensemen JIM ROFFEY and BOB BARNES signed as free agents. JAN 6 - JAN 26 BUFFALO: Goaltender BILL CHEROPITA, left wing, FRED HUNT, and center RANDY MONTGOMERY all waived. Defenseman JIM ROFFEY placed on disabled list. Goaltender MARIO VIEN assigned by Toronto Toros. Defensemen GEORGE KUZMICZ and GORD DAVIES and right wing ROBBIE BALYC all signed as free agents. JAN 27 - FEB 10 BUFFALO : Right wing BRYAN MCSHEFFREY traded to Cape Codders for future considerations. Goaltenders LES BINKLEY and MARIO VIEN and defenseman GEORGE KUZMICZ recalled by Toronto Toros. Defenseman GORD DAVIES placed on disabled, list. Goaltenders BUZZ SHANE and HOWIE SAPERSTON, left wing JIM STANFIELD, and center KEKE MORTSON all signed as free agents. FEB 7 1976 Buffalo acquires two players in defunct Cape Codders "dispersal draft." Gord Neilson (C) and Jim Makey (goal). MAY 19 1976 NORSEMEN PENALIZED FOR PLAYOFF FORFEIT The first item on the Meeting agenda was a petition by the Johnstown Jets concerning the Buffalo- Johnstown playoff series. Arguments were heard by the Governors who then announced strong disciplinary action against the Norsemen. Johnstown’s petition brought charges against the Norsemen as a result of the Norsemen’s forfeiture of the deciding game of the Quarter Final series between the two teams on March 27. The Governors found the Norsemen guilty of violating the League’s Constitution by failing to ice their team. They were ordered to compensate the Jets for their loss and in addition were assessed a substantial fine. The Norsemen later posted their League-required performance bond for 1976-77 and remain members in good standing of the NAHL. JULY 7 1976 NORSEMEN APPLY FOR ABEYANCE The Buffalo Norsemen have applied to the NAHL Board of Governors to suspend operations for the 1976-77 season. Action is expected on their application at the Philadelphia Meeting. Under the NAHL Constitution a member may suspend operations by notifying the League in writing of its intentions before the annual meeting and by paying a non-refundable fee of $2,500.00. Should the member wish to continue the abeyance of its franchise in subsequent years, it may do so at the additional annual fee of $2,500.00. The Norsemen had announced at the Cooperstown Meeting their intention of being active members of the NAHL in 1976-77. They were planning on playing a partial home schedule at the Buffalo Memorial Auditorium, where they drew well in two regular season and one playoff game last year. However, the uncertainty of the status of the Buffalo Braves of the NBA apparently made it impossible for the Norsemen to secure the needed Auditorium dates. The Norsemen were not represented at an NAHL scheduling meeting held in Syracuse on June 14 and 15. The Norsemen were an NAHL expansion team in 1975-76. They finished in fourth place in the Western Division with a record of 30-44-0. They bowed out of the playoffs in a first round loss to the Johnstown Jets.
412 Diner, E & M Diner, photo (c.1959).jpg
Diner (412 Oliver), waitress, customers, photos (c.1959).jpg
Diner (412 Oliver), staff photo (c.1959).jpg
Diner (412 Oliver), Marion Gauda, Eva Terry, staff photos (c. 1959(.jpg
Diner (412 Oliver), interior, customers (c. 1959).jpg
Barbara will pull this out when anyone asks about the history of the 412 Diner. "I was fascinated with it when I first got it," she told me. There are scans of pertinent pages from the North Tonawanda History Museum's Historic Treasures series, some of which have been corrected by hand by visiting descendants of diner owners. Owner descendants also supplied a half dozen or so photos of the diner and its people in the 40s and 50s (found elsewhere in this collection).
U.S., World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918 for Albert Obrofta.jpg
Marion's Diner, 412 Oliver, ad (Tonawanda News, 1959-01-06).jpg
Albert Obrofta, obit (Tonawansda News, 1944-05-03).jpg
412 Diner (Soup Lady), sketch (Dennis Reed Jr., 2025)
Fred Hunt Jr. interviewed by Pete Gallivan and posing w Dennis Reed Jr., photo set (2025-10-29).gal
All player stats (alphabetical) Player Name GP G A. Pts PIM Seasons Yrs. Pos. Birthdate Birthplace Highest Level Cliff Adock 3 0 0 0 0 1975-1976 1 G Niagara Falls, NY Minor Pro Denis Anderson 10 2 5 7 16 1975-1976 1 D 1953-10-29 Sardis, BC Minor Pro Steve Atkinson 37 30 31 61 38 1975-1976 1 R 1948-10-16 Toronto, ONT Major League Robbie Balyk 23 1 5 6 7 1975-1976 1 L 1954-11-18 Thorold, ONT Minor Pro Bob Barnes 27 1 5 6 25 1975-1976 1 D 1955-08-10 Toronto, ONT Minor Pro Les Binkley 24 0 0 0 0 1975-1976 1 G 1934-06-06 Owen Sound, ONT Major League Bill Cheropita 21 0 1 1 23 1975-1976 1 G 1955-09-26 St. Catharines, ONT Minor Pro Paul Crowley 72 26 34 60 138 1975-1976 1 R 1955-12-26 Montreal, PQ Major League Rick Cunningham 1 1 0 1 2 1975-1976 1 D 1951-03-03 Toronto, ONT Major League Bob D'Alvise 19 13 15 28 2 1975-1976 1 C 1952-12-23 Etobicoke, ONT Major League Gord Davies 3 1 2 3 0 1975-1976 1 W Toronto, ONT Minor Pro Erin Fostey 2 0 1 1 19 1975-1976 1 Minor Pro Dave Given 10 3 12 15 0 1975-1976 1 F 1954-05-14 Summit, NJ Major League Larry Gould 71 32 68 100 22 1975-1976 1 L 1952-08-16 Alliston, ONT Major League Derek Harker 10 0 2 2 4 1975-1976 1 C 1949-05-07 Peterborough, ONT Major League Paul Heaver 11 2 5 7 21 1975-1976 1 D 1955-02-15 Paddington, England Major League Fred Hunt 35 10 12 22 0 1975-1976 1 F 1950-05-18 Buffalo, NY Minor Pro George Kuzmicz 38 1 8 9 35 1975-1976 1 D 1952-05-24 Montreal, PQ Major League Charles Labelle 69 29 30 59 110 1975-1976 1 W 1952-05-27 Stratford, ONT Minor Pro Reg Lahey 55 9 13 22 29 1975-1976 1 R 1954-12-01 Galt, ONT Minor Pro Scott Mabley 1 0 0 0 4 1975-1976 1 D 1954-07-17 Newmarket, ONT Minor Pro Jim Makey 13 0 1 1 12 1975-1976 1 G 1950-05-30 Dunnville, ONT Minor Pro Willie Marshall 1 0 0 0 0 1975-1976 1 C 1931-12-01 Kirkland Lake, ONT Major League Shane McConvey 72 6 22 28 136 1975-1976 1 D 1954-11-21 Ottawa, ONT Minor Pro Sean McKenna 1 0 0 0 0 1975-1976 1 Minor Pro Bryan McSheffrey 46 27 31 58 26 1975-1976 1 F 1952-09-25 Ottawa, ONT Major League Randy Montgomery 36 8 8 16 22 1975-1976 1 L 1954-09-30 St. Catharines, ONT Minor Pro Wayne Morrin 73 1 23 24 172 1975-1976 1 D 1955-05-13 Dawson Creek, BC Major League Cleland "Keke" Mortson 12 8 9 17 29 1975-1976 1 R 1934-03-29 Arntfield, PQ Major League Greg Neeld 26 7 6 13 85 1975-1976 1 D 1955-02-25 Vancouver, BC Major League Gord Neilson 9 3 2 5 2 1975-1976 1 Minor Pro Lou Nistico 10 9 5 14 49 1975-1976 1 L 1953-01-25 Thunder Bay, ONT Major League Claude Noel 74 19 42 61 27 1975-1976 1 F 1955-10-31 Kirkland Lake, ONT Major League Onni Nordstrom 2 0 0 0 0 1975-1976 1 Minor Pro Dave Peace 64 17 15 32 48 1975-1976 1 W 1952-07-24 Hespeler, ONT Minor Pro Jean-Luc Phaneuf 2 0 1 1 0 1975-1976 1 C 1955-10-26 Montreal, PQ Major League Jim Roffey 9 0 1 1 6 1975-1976 1 Minor Pro Pat Rupp 4 0 0 0 0 1975-1976 1 G 1942-08-12 Detroit, MI Major League Howard Saperston 1 0 0 0 0 1975-1976 1 G Minor Pro Buzz Sheain 3 0 0 0 0 1975-1976 1 G Baltimore, MD Minor Pro Steve Siba 2 0 0 0 5 1975-1976 1 D Port Colborne, ONT Minor Pro Ron Snell 3 1 2 3 2 1975-1976 1 R 1948-08-11 Regina, SASK Major League Jim Stanfield 27 10 19 29 0 1975-1976 1 C 1947-01-01 Toronto, ONT Major League Bill Steele 10 7 8 15 4 1975-1976 1 R 1952-11-13 Edinburgh, Scotland Major League Dave Syvret 33 3 26 29 40 1975-1976 1 D 1954-10-28 Hamilton, ONT Major League Dave Tataryn 2 0 0 0 0 1975-1976 1 G 1950-07-17 Sudbury, ONT Major League Guy Trottier 56 36 22 58 59 1975-1976 1 R 1941-04-01 Hull, PQ Major League Mario Viens 15 0 0 0 0 1975-1976 1 G 1955-08-07 Cornwall, ONT Major League Top 10 Scorers Player Name GP G A. Pts PIM Seasons Yrs. Pos. Birthdate Birthplace Highest Level Larry Gould 71 32 68 100 22 1975-1976 1 L 1952-08-16 Alliston, ONT Major League Claude Noel 74 19 42 61 27 1975-1976 1 F 1955-10-31 Kirkland Lake, ONT Major League Steve Atkinson 37 30 31 61 38 1975-1976 1 R 1948-10-16 Toronto, ONT Major League Paul Crowley 72 26 34 60 138 1975-1976 1 R 1955-12-26 Montreal, PQ Major League Charles Labelle 69 29 30 59 110 1975-1976 1 W 1952-05-27 Stratford, ONT Minor Pro Guy Trottier 56 36 22 58 59 1975-1976 1 R 1941-04-01 Hull, PQ Major League Bryan McSheffrey 46 27 31 58 26 1975-1976 1 F 1952-09-25 Ottawa, ONT Major League Dave Peace 64 17 15 32 48 1975-1976 1 W 1952-07-24 Hespeler, ONT Minor Pro Dave Syvret 33 3 26 29 40 1975-1976 1 D 1954-10-28 Hamilton, ONT Major League Jim Stanfield 27 10 19 29 0 1975-1976 1 C 1947-01-01 Toronto, ONT Major League Most games (37 or more) Player Name GP G A. Pts PIM Seasons Yrs. Pos. Birthdate Birthplace Highest Level Claude Noel 74 19 42 61 27 1975-1976 1 F 1955-10-31 Kirkland Lake, ONT Major League Wayne Morrin 73 1 23 24 172 1975-1976 1 D 1955-05-13 Dawson Creek, BC Major League Shane McConvey 72 6 22 28 136 1975-1976 1 D 1954-11-21 Ottawa, ONT Minor Pro Paul Crowley 72 26 34 60 138 1975-1976 1 R 1955-12-26 Montreal, PQ Major League Larry Gould 71 32 68 100 22 1975-1976 1 L 1952-08-16 Alliston, ONT Major League Charles Labelle 69 29 30 59 110 1975-1976 1 W 1952-05-27 Stratford, ONT Minor Pro Dave Peace 64 17 15 32 48 1975-1976 1 W 1952-07-24 Hespeler, ONT Minor Pro Guy Trottier 56 36 22 58 59 1975-1976 1 R 1941-04-01 Hull, PQ Major League Reg Lahey 55 9 13 22 29 1975-1976 1 R 1954-12-01 Galt, ONT Minor Pro Bryan McSheffrey 46 27 31 58 26 1975-1976 1 F 1952-09-25 Ottawa, ONT Major League George Kuzmicz 38 1 8 9 35 1975-1976 1 D 1952-05-24 Montreal, PQ Major League Steve Atkinson 37 30 31 61 38 1975-1976 1 R 1948-10-16 Toronto, ONT Major League PIM Player Name GP G A. Pts PIM Seasons Yrs. Pos. Birthdate Birthplace Highest Level Wayne Morrin 73 1 23 24 172 1975-1976 1 D 1955-05-13 Dawson Creek, BC Major League Paul Crowley 72 26 34 60 138 1975-1976 1 R 1955-12-26 Montreal, PQ Major League Shane McConvey 72 6 22 28 136 1975-1976 1 D 1954-11-21 Ottawa, ONT Minor Pro Charles Labelle 69 29 30 59 110 1975-1976 1 W 1952-05-27 Stratford, ONT Minor Pro Greg Neeld 26 7 6 13 85 1975-1976 1 D 1955-02-25 Vancouver, BC Major League Guy Trottier 56 36 22 58 59 1975-1976 1 R 1941-04-01 Hull, PQ Major League Goalies Les Binkley 24 0 0 0 0 1975-1976 1 G 1934-06-06 Owen Sound, ONT Major League Bill Cheropita 21 0 1 1 23 1975-1976 1 G 1955-09-26 St. Catharines, ONT Minor Pro Mario Viens 15 0 0 0 0 1975-1976 1 G 1955-08-07 Cornwall, ONT Major League Jim Makey 13 0 1 1 12 1975-1976 1 G 1950-05-30 Dunnville, ONT Minor Pro Pat Rupp 4 0 0 0 0 1975-1976 1 G 1942-08-12 Detroit, MI Major League Cliff Adock 3 0 0 0 0 1975-1976 1 G Niagara Falls, NY Minor Pro Buzz Sheain 3 0 0 0 0 1975-1976 1 G Baltimore, MD Minor Pro Dave Tataryn 2 0 0 0 0 1975-1976 1 G 1950-07-17 Sudbury, ONT Major League Howard Saperston 1 0 0 0 0 1975-1976 1 G Minor Pro
Ugly incident at Norseman game, article (Peter Drumsta, 1976-02-07).jpg
Trottier exits early, so do the fans, article (Peter Drumsta, 1975-12-04).jpg
See the other hockey team play at the aud, ad (c1976-02-13).jpg
Record 5924 fans give Norsemen a big lift in 7-5 Aud triumph, article (Buffalo News, c1976-02-14).jpg
Norsemen win forfeit, article (c1976-02-27).jpg
Norsemen whip (Binghamton Broome) Dusters, 9-1, article (Courier-Express, 1975-11-18).jpg
Norsemen trio leads, article, team scoring (c1975-12-19).jpg
Norsemen switch one game to Aud, article (Peter Drumsta, 1975-12-19).jpg
Norsemen score 6-5 overtime win (against Comets), article (Ed Helinski, Tonawanda News, 1975-12-20).jpg
Norsemen prevail, league standings, article (Niagara Gazette, 1975-12-18).jpg
Norsemen plan game in Aud, article (1975-12-20).jpg
Norsemen penalized with Philly defeat, article (1975-11-06).jpg
Norsemen overcome hockey jinx in Philly, article (1975-10-24).jpg
Norsemen officials back Trottier in NAHL dispute, article (c1976-02-21).jpg
Norsemen may break with Toros, article (c1975-12-29).jpg
Norsemen line tops in scoring, article (1975-11-13).jpg
Norsemen humble (Binghamton Broome) Dusters, romp 9-1, article (Ed Helinski, Tonawanda News, 1975-11-18).jpg
Norsemen hit on final shot (defeat Mohawk Valley Comets in OT), article (1975-12-20).jpg
Norsemen get goalie (Makey) in (Codder dispersal) draft, article (c1976-02-18).jpeg
Norsemen defeat dusters by 4-3, article (1975-12-18).jpg
Norsemen check Erie by 4-3, Keke Mortson debut, article (1976-02-05).jpg
Norsemen blast Nordiques, 8-2, article (Courier-Express, 1975-12-11).jpg
Norsemen bag 4-1 win (in Binghamton), article (c1975-11-03) .jpg
Norsemen add punch with Nistico, article (1975-11-18).jpg
Norsemen,players are getting fed up (with Toros), article (Mike Billoni, Tonawanda News, 1975-12-31).jpg
Norsemen's skid hits 4, article, standings (1976-02-16).jpg
No penalties charged in Nordiques' triumph over Buffalo Norsemen, article, standings (1976-02-25).jpg
N-men take on Blazers (tonight), article (1975-11-07).jpg
Map to Tonawanda Sports Center (c1975-12-19).jpg
Lowly Nordiques shock Norsemen, article (1976-02-25).jpg
Lights out for Norse--tying goal disallowed, article (1976-01-28).jpg
Jaros, Norsemen's next foe, draw big fines for fighting, article (1975-11-14).jpg
If Norsemen win, they win 'em big, article (1975-10-22).jpg
Dusters fall to Norsemen, article (1975-11-18).jpg
Buffalo Norsemen week proclaimed, photo (1975-12-17).jpg
Brawl costly as Norsemen bow in Philly, article (c1975-11-06).jpg
Age doesn't stop Binkley, article (Niagara Falls Gazette, 1975-11-08).jpg
Kardex ads (Tonawanda News, 1920-04-06).jpg
Special election, Ironton sewer, article (Daily Cataract, 1899-11-02).jpg
NT needs 150K for new schools, article (Niagar aFalls Gazette, 1924-10-11).jpg
New convent planned on Center, State Ditch somewhat covered, article (Niagara Falls Gazette, 1926-02-03) .jpg
Big sale of real estate, Oliver Ave Investment Co., Judd-Payne property sold to Home Telephone, article (Niagara Courier, 1906-03-31).jpg
Symphonia Singing club will give concert at Dom Polski, article (Niagara Falls Gazette, 1926-11-19).jpg
Wurlitzer school will be finished in 3 weeks, Ironton No.7 foundation being poured, article (Niagara Falls Gazette, 1925-06-29).jpg
Tonawanda Iron and Steel, postcard (c1915).jpg
Niagara furnaces of Tonawanda Iron and Steel, photo (Tonawanda Herald, 1897 Insdustrial Edition).jpg
"Present day Niagara Street was the original route of the first steam railroad in Western New York. Service from Black Rock to Niagara Falls began on August 26, 1836." - hmdb.org
Daily News Paper Corporation growing on Tonawanda Island, article (Niagara Falls Gazette, 1925-09-04) .jpg
Under Arrest, Archer Hotel thief, article (Tonawanda News, 1900-04-19).pdf
Hotel Archer, T. J. Edwards, proprietor, ad (1908-08-12).jpg
Archer Hotel, other NT businesses, ad (Tonawanda News, 1912).jpg
Les needed more saves (in narrow preseason loss to Binghamton), article (Buffalo Evening News, 1975-10-15).jpg
New goalie Cheropita passes first big test, photo of McConvey stitched, article (Tonawanda News, c1975-10-11).jpg
Untitled, Guy having fun, Claude Noel happy to switch positions, Shero system, article (c1975-10-12).jpeg
Trottier to play rookies Friday, article, Crosbie photo (Mike Billoni, Tonawanda News, c1975-09-24).jpg
Sabres to supply Norsemen, article (Tonawanda News, c1975-05-20).jpg
Sabres meet Norsemen in scholarship game, article (c.1975-09-24).jpg
Pro hockey coming to NT (Tonawanda News, 1975-04-03).jpg
Norsemen roster cut to 25 players, article (c.1975-09-24).jpg
Norsemen outbattled (by Sabres rookies), whole page article (Mike Billoni, Tonawanda News, 1975-09-27).jpg
Norsemen get Binkley, photo article (c1975-10-08).jpg
Norsemen get a lineman that they really wanted, Crowley and Peace, article (Tonawanda News, c1975-10-09).jpg
Norsemen face Erie in final exhibition (Trottier start) article (Tonawanda News, 1975-10-15).jpg
Norsemen debut, Crosbie photo (Tonawanda News, 1975-09-27).jpg
Norsemen cut 7, Toro Players Due, article (Tonawanda News, c1975-10-02).jpg
Norsemen conjure strong image (only 247 at SC for Blades game), article (Peter Drumsta, c1975-10-15).jpg
Norsemen belt Jets, article (1975-11-01).jpg
Norsemen begin heavy exhibition schedule - Face Jets here tonight, article (Mike Billoni, Tonawanda News, 1975-10-10).jpg
Norsemen beat Maine 6-5 (490 smallest crowd yet), article (Tom McDonough, Tonawanda News, 1975-10-29).jpg
Norsemen are anxious for 75 opener, article (Mike Kanaley, Courier-Express, c.1975-10-10).jpg
Norsemen's Morin eyes future, player photo, article (Tonawanda News, 1975-10-31).jpg
Norsemen's bus a team blender, article (1975-09-24).jpg
NAHL hockey ad, Norsemen v Mohawk Valley (c1975-10-21).jpg
NAHL Grants local franchise, article (Tonawanda News, c.1975-04-03).jpg
Mickey sets date for Norsemen post, article (Tonawanda News, c1975-05-19) 2.jpg
It's Sabre-Time again in the Aud, Report on Buffalo rookies' victory, article (Dick Johnston, Tonawanda News, c1975-09-27).jpg
Guy Trottier named coach of Norsemen, article (c.1975-08-28).jpg
Cheropita to open in Norsemen goal (Binkley called up, good ticket sales, Nordstrom added), article (1975-10-17).jpg
Buffalo Norsemen vs Beauce Jaros, ad (c1976-03-17).jpg
Buffalo Norsemen vs Johnstown Jets, playoff opener at the Aud (1976-03-21).jpg
Norsemen trim St. Thomas, Norsemen romp 12-4, articles (c1975-09-28).jpeg
Tim Lynch and Doug, photo (2025-10-02).jpg
Turks, Outrage Nighe, 756 Oliver, ad (Tonawanda News, 1979-02-24).jpg
Norsemen win first, article (Palladium-Times, 1976-03-22).jpg
Norsemen v Chiefs brawl, photo (Real NAHL fb).jpg
5 Jim Cardiff 14 Vern Campigatto 20 Dave Hanson (311 PIM that year) 8 Galen Head 6 Jerry Zrymiak
Norsemen triumph (in game 4), article (Palladium-Times, 1976-03-26).jpg
Norsemen coach in hot water, article (Medina Journal-Register, 1976-02-17).jpg
Keke and Trottier (real NAHL), photo (c.1976-03-26).jpg
Greg Neeld now a Norsemen, article (Medina Journal-Register, 1975-12-10).jpg
Dan Dzikoski and Charlie Rumbold, photo (2025-09-30).jpg
Bush hockey mars playoffs, article (Palladium-Times, 1976-03-31).jpg
Buffalo manager raps NAHL goon climate, article (Palladium-Times, 1976-03-30).jpg
Regular season game results (HockeyDB.com).htm
Series B W L GF GA Johnstown Jets 3 2 18 14 Buffalo Norsemen 2 3 14 18 Mar 21 Johnstown Jets 1 5 at Buffalo Norsemen Mar 22 Buffalo Norsemen 4 6 at Johnstown Jets Mar 24 Buffalo Norsemen 2 8 at Johnstown Jets Mar 25 Johnstown Jets 2 3 at Buffalo Norsemen Mar 27 Buffalo Norsemen 0 1 at Johnstown Jets Johnstown Jets win series 3 games to 2 GAME 4 Hank Taylor, black NAHL rookie of the year. Sign near entrance, 15 or so rows up. Hanson says Neeld was antagonizing him as well. Ed says some fans were probably joining in. Multiple misconducts in the first period. A come-from-behind victory secured by Noel's 3rd period GWG. Neeld wasn't even playing and got speared in the stomach: Camp, "Hey you one-eyed ***". Billoni article about getting punched when a swing misses Neeld. Police escort Jets out. In Hanson's book he remembers being in a cop car in his skates. Final: Norsemen 3, Johnstown 2 Attendance: 1,531 Scoring Summary 1st Period 0:11 — Johnstown: Head (Gorton, Campigotto) — Head’s 1st 2nd Period 14:01 — Johnstown: Head (unassisted) — Head’s 2nd 15:07 — Norsemen: Mortson (Gould, Andersen) — Mortson’s 3rd 18:10 — Norsemen: Steele (Mortson, Stanfield) — Steele’s 3rd 3rd Period 12:24 — Norsemen: Noel (Labelle, Crowley) — Noel’s 1st Penalties 1st Period 0:37 — Johnstown, Cardiff (interference) 3:03 — Johnstown, Boudreau (roughing, fighting) 3:03 — Norsemen, Crowley (roughing, fighting) 4:02 — Norsemen, Morin (roughing) 4:02 — Johnstown, Cardiff (roughing) 4:34 — Johnstown, Tenesi (roughing) 4:34 — Norsemen, Steele (roughing) 6:03 — Norsemen, McConvey (roughing) 9:00 — Johnstown, Birch (fighting) 9:00 — Norsemen, Lahey (roughing) 11:56 — Johnstown, Hanson (tripping) 13:16 — Johnstown, Cardiff (misconduct) 13:16 — Norsemen, Steele (misconduct) 17:27 — Johnstown, Tetreault (fighting, misconduct) 17:27 — Norsemen, Lahey (fighting) 2nd Period 15:00 — Johnstown, Levasseau (delay of game) 17:39 — Johnstown, Tetreault (interference) 3rd Period 2:51 — Norsemen, Morin (elbowing) 8:58 — Johnstown, Hanson (elbowing) 10:19 — Johnstown, Reed (hooking) 16:16 — Johnstown, Reed (tripping) Shots on Goal Johnstown: 8 – 11 – 10 — 29 Norsemen: 18 – 6 – 12 — 36 Scoring by Periods Johnstown: 1 – 1 – 0 — 2 Norsemen: 0 – 2 – 1 — 3
From Niagara County, Vol II - Biographical, pp 461-2: LE GRAND S. DE GRAFF, business man and philanthropist, has been one of the vital forces in the advancement of North Tonawanda, practically throughout the period of his residence here, which began some thirty years ago. His large interests and very evident qualifications for leadership would of themselves entitle him to a foremost place in all the activities of the community, but he has endeavored sincerely to merit the confidence and esteem which his fellow citizens have so long manifested for him, and many substantial achievements for the good of the town, whether undertaken as business enterprises or from the impulse of public spirit, have been so conducted as to win their unqualified regard. Mr. DeGraff was born March 30, 1870, in Tonawanda, N. Y., and has passed all his life in the Tonawandas, coming from his birthplace to North Tonawanda in 1889. He belongs to a family of sturdy Dutch stock, founded in this country by his grandfather, John M. DeGraff, who came to America from Amsterdam, Holland, and settled at Amsterdam, N. Y. James H. DeGraff, father of LeGrand S. DeGraff, was born at Orville, N. Y., and came to Tonawanda in 1856. He was a banker and also had large timber interests in Michigan, having his land cut over and bringing the logs in large rafts to North Tonawanda. His wife, whose maiden name was Mary Simson, was from Tonawanda and a descendant of pioneer settlers of that place, her grandfather, Robert Simson, moving his family to that point from the vicinity of Harrisburg, Pa., in the year 1807. The journey was made in the old-time Conestoga wagons, drawn by oxen, and four days were required to cover the last few miles between Batavia and Tonawanda. James H. DeGraff and wife had two sons and one daughter: LeGrand S.; Lewis A., who makes his home at Scranton, Pa.; and Mrs. Charles Weston, of Buffalo. LeGrand S. DeGraff acquired his education in the public schools and the Genesee Wesleyan Seminary at Lima, N. Y. He has been associated with the business of A. Weston & Son, wholesale lumber dealers, almost from the time of his arrival in North Tonawanda, and within five years of the beginning of this connection became general manager for the firm, in which capacity he continues. Principally through his efforts the business has retained its position as one of the largest and most successful of the kind in western New York. The firm of A. Weston & Son, of which he is manager, has at present 6,000,000,000 feet of standing timber in California and Oregon. They have a large export business besides making extensive shipments to all parts of the United States east of the Mississippi river. Mr. DeGraff carries many responsibilities besides those of general manager for A. Weston & Son, so large and numerous have his principal business interests become. He is president of the State National Bank of North Tonawanda; president of the Rochester Box & Lumber Company; director of the Niagara Falls Power Company, the Lagoon Lumber Company of California, the Little River Redwood Company, the Cottoneva Lumber Company, the Elk Lumber Company of Oregon, the A. Weston Lumber Company of Olean, N. Y., the Export Lumber Company of Boston, Mass., the Bathurst Lumber Company of Bathurst, New Brunswick, the Hope Lumber Company of Canada, the Tonawanda Power Company, and the American District Steam Company of North Tonawanda, N. Y. Nineteen years ago Mr. DeGraff was married to Ve Norma Crown, daughter of Augustus M. Crown, of Tonawanda, N. Y. Both Mr. and Mrs. DeGraff devoted a great deal of time and energy to war work during 1917 and 1918, Mr. DeGraff serving as a member of the Draft Board of his city and Mrs. DeGraff as chairman of the local Red Cross organization. He was a heavy contributor to every project aimed to insure the winning of the war, placing his means and services without stint at the call of the country. He holds membership in many social organizations, chief among which are: The Buffalo Club, the Buffalo Country Club, the Ellicott Club, the Buffalo Yacht Club, the Niagara Falls Country Club, and the Bankers’ Club of New York. Fraternally he is a Mason, affiliated with Sutherland Lodge in North Tonawanda. In political principle Mr. DeGraff is a Republican, but he has never mingled in party affairs or had any desire for office. The DeGraff Memorial Hospital at North Tonawanda, the only institution of its kind in the Tonawandas, owes its existence to Mr. DeGraff’s interest and generosity, and was named in honor of his father. The great need for the establishment of a hospital in one or the other of the “Twin Cities” had been apparent for many years, but means for its erection and maintenance were lacking, and various efforts to raise the necessary funds proved unsuccessful. Mr. DeGraff thereupon undertook the task, and after obtaining what subscriptions he could himself, supplied the required remainder to erect and equip the building, which is located on Tremont Street, North Tonawanda. Its management is vested in a board of trustees, including a representative appointed by each of the three local banks, and the mayors of Tonawanda and North Tonawanda. With the completion of the structure and its proper furnishing Mr. DeGraff turned the institution over to the city, where it has been highly appreciated. Its reputation is so high that frequently patients desiring admission have to be turned away because the accommodations will not permit, and a great work has been accomplished in the community through this medium. Maj. John A. Rafter, M. D., has been superintendent at the hospital ever since it was opened. The citizens of North Tonawanda take great pride in the reputation which the hospital has acquired.
Tonawanda Sports Center Seating Diagram (Norsemen Magazine, 1975-12).jpg
Paul Crowley, photo (Norsemen Magazine 1976-02).jpg
Larry Gould, most valuable Norsemen, photo and article (Norsemen magazine, 1976-03-20).jpg
Greg Neeld, photo (Norsemen Magazine, 1975-12-28).jpg
Claude Noel, most popular Norseman, photo and article (Norsemen Magazine, 1976-03-20).jpg
The Norsemen are here, article and transcription (Paul Moran, Norsemen Magazine, c.1975-09)
“THE NORSEMEN ARE HERE” Paul Moran Progress very often is an intangible sort of thing. But at times it comes at you more quickly than a Guy Trottier wrist shot. Consider the Norsemen. A year ago they were not yet a glimmer in the eye of Willie Marshall, now general manager, or any of the 10 owners. Now the Norsemen are the most exciting attraction in hockey north of Memorial Auditorium and south of Maple Leaf Gardens. “The Norsemen are here” shout bumper stickers on what seems to be half the automobiles in the Tonawandas. They are, to be sure. And if the early interest and excitement the team has generated in its infancy is any indication of its future, the Norsemen are here to stay. The Norsemen appear to be a certain bet to attain success in the North American Hockey League, both on the ice and at the turnstiles. But the scene at the Tonawanda Sports Center was not always one of congratulations and backslapping. The future was not always as promising as it now is. In fact, for a time, however brief, it was rather bleak. Professional hockey was not an integral part of anyone’s plan for the future. But, that was last year. Remember the Tondas? A year ago Marshall and his employers, Drs. Dudley Turecki and Syde Taheri, were fighting to keep the Tondas from being banished from the Sports Center. The details of the Tondas’ saga are too intricate and lengthy to discuss here. Suffice it to say that the team was a victim of the bureaucracy which holds the reins of the amateur hockey world on both sides of the U.S.-Canadian border. The ill-fated efforts to bring, and later to keep, amateur hockey and the Ontario Hockey Association in North Tonawanda failed to deter the Turecki-Taheri combo from the goal the doctors had set for themselves. They would bring hockey to North Tonawanda. The doctors and the North American Hockey League first crossed paths just when each needed the other. The doctors sought an avenue leading directly toward their goal. The league, looking toward expansion and solid market potential, was looking for franchise owners. Liz and Dick or Ike and Mamie could have been no more a perfect match than Turecki-Taheri and the NAHL. They sized each other up for awhile. The league looked at the market, and at the Sports Center. The doctors looked at the business end. Marshall looked at the hockey end. It may not have been love at first sight, but a beautiful marriage resulted nonetheless. The doctors had a franchise. The next step was the formulation of a recipe for success. They brought in eight other individuals — each an expert in a certain field — and sold shares in the club. The groups handled the business of putting together a hockey team. The appointment of Marshall to oversee the hockey portion of the operation came shortly thereafter. The formation of the Norsemen was formally announced at a press conference at May at the Statler Hilton. Plans at the time were generally sketchy, but the wheels of progress, which would before long begin to whirr, slowly began turning. Each of the 10 owners assumed part of the burden of plotting the club’s course of action during those formative days. The efforts of each, combined with the owners’ resulted eventually in a meld that is a hockey organization from top to bottom, professional in every respect. The wheels of progress had become a whirr by early summer. But the whirr was not out of control. No decision was made without full consideration being given to all the alternatives. Things progressed quickly, but not too quickly. Perhaps the most important decision made by Marshall and the owners was the appointment of Guy Trottier as player-coach. The decision was another in a line of good ones. Marshall and Trottier have become a team, the goal of which is to put together a top flight hockey team in the shortest possible time. They work well together, and it shows. With the aid of the parent WHA Toronto Toros and NHL Buffalo Sabres, the Norsemen appear well on their way to making a name for themselves in the NAHL. Their early showings prove that a challenger to the Lockhart Cup lurks in North Tonawanda. It wears green and gold and answers to Norsemen. That’s progress.
Buffalo Hockey Club Inc., shareholder agreement (1975-09-22).pdf
Buffalo Norsemen personnel (and personalities).htm
"The Norseman, owners, players and coaches mixed well with the public, in particular with the great small town community we fondly refer to as N.T. Characters abound."- Tim Lynch, former Assistant Rink Manager, Tonawanda Sports Center. Tim also recalls some of the players stayed at the Anchor Motel out on River Road, and he and others often drove them to and from practice. Kim Turecki-Chiodo recalls some staying at apartments on Nash, and hanging at 9th and Oliver, where she grew up with father Dudley. Place owned by dad's parents, Ukrainian. Buffalo Norsemen Officers President: Dr. Dudley Turecki 1st Vice President: Paul R. Pellittieri Secretary: Joseph A. Cassetta Treasurer: Richard A. DiVita Board of Directors Joseph Cassetta Richard DiVita Jack Fortune Peter Gambino Barnard Hewitt Ray Kissel Willie Marshall Paul Pellittieri Paul Rumbold Dr. Syde Taheri Dr. Dudley Turecki Personnel General Manager: Willie Marshall Coach: Guy Trottier Trainer: Gary Stevens Director of Public Relations: Rick Veit Assistant Director of Public Relations: Wayne Decker Statistician: Dennis Kapsiak Office Secretaries: Stephanie Chriss, Mary Jane Markovich Minor Officials Scorer: Dennis Kapsiak PA: Don Brock Timer: Larry Hempel Penalty Timer: Russ Collier Penalty Box: Chuck Henry, Ed Van Volkenburg, Keith Knoph, John Celmer Goal Judges: Jim Craig, Dick Westphal Stats: Bill Morrissey Players * = Team photo Guy Trottier (#16?,) - Player / coach - Bad back - Steve Atkinson (#11, RW) - Captain - -------------- Denis Anderson* (#20) Paul Crowley (#19, RW) - Another small guy - Assigned to Buffalo by WHA Houston Aeros From Norsemen Magazine (1976-02): PAUL CROWLEY … PLENTY OF DESIRE One of the most pleasant surprises of the Norsemen’s first season in the NAHL has been the play of Paul Crowley. At the start of the season he was assigned here by the Houston Aeros of the World Hockey Association who drafted him last year after playing for the Sudbury Wolves of the OHA after scoring 29 goals and 45 assists in 68 games. Norsemen General Manager, Willie Marshall and Player-Coach Guy Trottier feel the diminutive right winger has an excellent chance of making the major leagues. Trottier says “If every player on our team had his desire to go along with their talent, we would have been in first place all—” Dave Given* (#12) Larry Gould* (#8 LW) - Captain after Atkinson departure halfway through season, also on team photo the captain - Leading scorer, team MVP - Heart throb - Free agent, wants NHL, wants to get what he needs in Buffalo From Norsemen Magazine (1975-11, in Ton News too): LARRY GOULD He know what he must learn to get back to the big time Larry Gould of the Buffalo Norsemen has become the early favorite of females who attended the club’s first game and can be found at most of the practice sessions. But, the mustachioed left-winger has a surprise for the area sweethearts. “I am married and have a four-year-old daughter,” Larry bragged. When asked about his female following, Gould commented, “I can’t wait for my lovely wife Jeanine and my daughter Lisa to get here.” But, for the time being, Larry’s mind is on hockey, not on the blondes in the stands. “I know what it takes to make it to the National Hockey League and I hope to get it here,” Larry added. Gould came to the Norsemen as a free agent. He called General Manager Willie Marshall and asked for a tryout and has done nothing but impress the brass since he’s been here. He is a sure bet to be one of the team’s leaders when it opens the North American Hockey League season Oct. 17. Marshall was ecstatic when Gould called for a tryout. “I was very surprised to here from him. John Anderson, director of scouting for the Buffalo Sabres couldn’t believe that Gould was coming here, either,” Marshall said amidst a smile. “Larry is not only a good team player, but one of the best complete hockey players we have,” he added. “Players of his caliber are hard to find.” Norsemen player-coach Guy Trottier also speaks highly of Gould’s talents. “It’s good to have a good two-way hockey player around,” Guy commented. “He is a very intelligent skater who handles the puck well and plays his position very well.” From Norsemen Magazine (1976-03-20): LARRY GOULD Most Valuable Norseman Larry Gould, the Norsemen’s leading scorer this season, has been selected the most valuable player by a vote of his teammates and was presented an award by the Norsemen Booster Club prior to the final regular season game last Thursday night. Larry, in his fourth professional season, has enjoyed his most productive season as a pro with 32 goals and 65 assists (both personal highs) for 97 points in 72 games as of this writing. The most amazing thing about Gould’s highly productive season is that it has virtually gone unnoticed. Larry is not a flashy player who makes spectacular end to end rushes nor is he a spectacular stickhandler or shooter. He is, however, a remarkably consistent hockey player who has the knack for making the right plays at the right times. He is an excellent penalty killer and has been a valuable member of the Norsemen power play. The 23 year old Gould was made captain midway through the season after the departure of Steve Atkinson. Under his leadership, the Norsemen have made the playoffs in their first season, and it seemed fitting that Larry scored the game winning goal against Syracuse to finally clinch a playoff position. Derek Harker* (#4) Charlie Labelle* (#14) Reg Lahey* (#7) Jim Mackey* Shane McConvey* Wayne Morin* (#2) Keke Mortson* (#) - Joins team in Feb, bolster playoff run - "Cleland Lindsay (Keke) Mortson came into the Southern Hockey League with a reputation as being a colorful athlete and the 39-year-old skater certainly hasn’t let anyone down. Critics label him a “hot dog” and a “show-off” and several unprintable things." (1974-02-22 Hockey News) - Wore 99 playing for Macon Whoopies - Greg Neeld* (#5, #10 in team photo, D) - Billoni piece in news articles - Stayed with Dan D. ("Wanna see the ring?" "Keep an eye on this") - Joined team later - Sabre rookie - Lost eye, NHL rules against, sues NHL - Develops shield w dad - Target of final brawl Claude Noel* (#15, C) - Assistant captain - Voted most popular by Booster club - "Bones" - Cutie pie - Free agent (undrafted, just 20, small) - Formerly a defensemen, transitioned to C - Tim Lynch (former assistant rink manager) tells a story that Willie Marshall had asked him and some other guys (not players just good skaters) to get on the team bus and go to Johnstown to film some insert skating shots for the film Slap Shot. He was getting ready to get on the bus when someone called the team office. His wife's water had broke, and he was having twins. He didn't make it to Johnstown. But he did give one of the girls the middle name "Noel," after his favorite Norseman, Claude Noel. From Norsemen Magazine 1976-03-20: CLAUDE NOEL Most Popular Norseman Claude Noel, a 20 year old center with classy moves, has been selected the most popular Norseman player by the Norsemen Booster Club. He received the award prior to the final regular season home game this past Thursday. Claude almost did not get a chance to play professional hockey. He was a defenseman for Kitchener in junior hockey and despite his impressive statistics, he was not drafted by a major league team because he was considered to be too small to make it as a defenseman. A friend of his convinced Norsemen General Manager Willie Marshall to invite Claude to training camp. Willie did and liked what he saw. “Bones,” as he is known to his teammates, proved his durability in the hard hitting North American Hockey League by being the only Norseman to play in every game this season, and his hard work and clutch play have made him one of the big favorites with Norsemen fans. He scored two goals in the two victories that clinched a playoff spot, a 10-4 win over Erie and a 5-2 victory against Syracuse. A classy stickhandler and playmaker, Noel has made the transition to center amazingly well and his steady improvement shows in his scoring statistics. His 58 points have him tied with Coach Guy Trottier for the second highest point total on the team, and his 40 assists are also the second highest on the team. One year ago, it appeared Claude Noel had no future in pro hockey. One season later, it seems the most popular Norseman is a young man with a bright future. Jim Mackey* (#30, G) Keke Mortson From Norsemen magazine (1975-09): KEKE MORTSON BOLSTERS NORSEMEN PLAYOFF DRIVE Tonight marks the return of Cleland “Keke” Mortson to Memorial Auditorium, this time wearing Buffalo colors for the first time in his long professional hockey career. Keke will be remembered quite well by long time Buffalo Hockey Fans for his hustling, chippy style of play during his years with Cleveland, Hershey, Quebec, Rochester and Baltimore of the American Hockey League. Some of Buffalo’s newer hockey fans will remember him as the captain of the Buffalo Sabres farm team, the Cincinnati Swords, that won a Calder Cup playoff game here at the Aud a few years ago. Buffalo Norsemen General Manager Willie Marshall, one of the top players in the AHL for nearly 20 years, and a former team mate of Mortson says, “Keke is one of the best team players I ever played with. He is a tremendous competitor on the ice, and knows how to pick a team up when they’re down. We have a very young team, said Willie, and Keke is exactly the type of experienced veteran forward we have needed right along to help settle the kids down in our battle for a playoff position.” Keke didn’t take very long to make his presence felt in the North American Hockey League. In his very first game with the Norsemen on February 4th in Erie, he led the Norsemen to a 4-3 victory with two goals (one on a power play) and one assist, and also started the play which led to the winning Buffalo goal with five minutes remaining to play. The victory moved Buffalo 6 points ahead of fifth place Binghamton in the race for the final playoff berth, and also moved the Norsemen to within 5 points of third place Erie. Dave Peace Bill Steele* (#9, ASS.) Jim Stanfield Mario Viens (G) Wayne Morin