Compiled by Craig Potter
Today’s SportsROC Report includes stories on the Rochester Red Wings , the Buffalo Sabres announce NHL Draft Fan Fest details, Greece native and Tampa Bay Lightning forward Ryan Callahan sidelined 5 months, and an interview with Penn Yan native and Rochester Rattlers defenseman Mike Manley.
The Rochester Red Wings lost to the Columbus Clipper, 7-2, on Wednesday night in the Ohio Capital City.
Jorge Polanco gave the Red Wings a 1-0 with a first-inning homer over the left field fence.
The Clippers erupted for 4 runs in the 5th against Wings starter Pat Dean. He faced 2 batters in the 7th, giving up a single and 2-run homer before being replaced by David Martinez. Dean (1-4) pitched 6+ innings, yielding 8 hits, including 3 homers, and 7 runs in taking the loss.
The Wings scored their final run in the 8th on a sacrifice fly by Tommy Field that plated John Ryan Murphy. Field made three spectacular plays at third base in the second inning to get an assist on all three outs.
Rochester (44-29) remained in first place in the International League North Division, 1 game ahead of Scranton/Wilkes-Barre (43-30).
In additional moves by the Minnesota Twins on Wednesday, RHP D.J. Baxendale was transferred from Double-A Chattanooga to the Red Wings, and LHP Dan Runzler was released from the Rochester roster.
___________
The Buffalo Sabres announced on Wednesday plans to host the 2016 NHL Draft Fan Fest™ at Canalside during the first round of the 2016 NHL Draft™ on Friday, June 24 from 4 to 10 p.m.
The event is free to the public and also will include a viewing party when the Draft begins at 7 p.m. Further details regarding the Fan Fest will be available closer the date of the event.
The Fan Fest will feature giveaways, interactive games, and appearances from select Sabres players and alumni. Before the draft, there will be live music, giveaways for fans, as well as a Kids Zone and photo opportunities. Food and beverage options also will be available, including many local food trucks.
Once the draft begins, fans will be able to watch the NBCSN draft coverage on two large video screens. Throughout the event, fans will have a chance to win prizes and hear from special guests on stage.
Coors Light Free Rides will be available on the NFTA Metro Rail on Friday, June 24 from 5 a.m. until 11:59 p.m. For detailed route and schedule information, text “FREE RIDES” to 90464.
___________
Greece native, and former Hilton student, Ryan Callahan of the Tampa Bay Lightning will be out of action for at least 5 months following surgery to repair a labral tear in his right hip.
Callahan dealt with a lower-body injury from the end of the regular season and throughout the NHL playoffs as the Lightning advanced to Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Final before falling to the eventual Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh Penguins.
This news means Callahan will miss the World Cup of Hockey in September, after being selected to the Team USA roster by coach John Tortorella, who is a former Rochester Americans coach.
___________
An interview with Rochester Rattlers defender, and Penn Yan native, Mike Manley, who was named the MLL Defensive Player of the Week recently.
Q: When did you turn pro?
A: I turned pro right after I graduated college in 2012.
Q: The Rattlers defense has been playing outstanding, what have some of the keys been to the success?
A: One of the biggest keys to our success is that we have been playing together as a unit basically for about 4 seasons now. Along with that our defense is made up of some very tough blue-collar players. I would say we all love playing together and have a lot of fun while playing. OH! I guess it helps too that we have the best goalie in the world.
Q: How did you get started in lacrosse?
A: Got started playing lacrosse when I was 4 years old. All my siblings played lacrosse, so I naturally was around the game all the time growing up as a kid.
Q: Growing up, what players did you most wanted to be like?
A: I grew up watching the Gait brothers and remember them being at a bunch of the camps and tournaments I attended as a young player. I always thought I was going to be an offensive player…
Q: What is your favorite memory of playing in a Rattlers or Duke game?
A: My favorite memory playing lacrosse was the NCAA tournament in 2010. The semifinal game against Virginia was one of the most exciting games I’ve ever been apart of, not to mention the OT win against Notre Dame in the Championship. I still get chills to this day thinking about that.
Q: Being a local guy – what’s it mean to you to be able to play for the local team you supported growing up?
A: I grew up watching the Rattlers and the Knighthawks, so to be able to put on both those jerseys is something very special to me. I remember playing at halftime of the Rattlers game when I was younger. Walking into the locker room at halftime and seeing the big smiles on the kids faces as we pass them is truly something special, because I remember that being me.
I remember one game I attended I won the on field competition where you have to put all the Rattlers gear and Jersey on. I was told I won tickets to the next Rattlers game… I still to this day have not received those tickets.
Q: What was your thoughts on Penn Yan’s season?
A: I am extremely proud of those boys. They had a tremendous season and all of us alumni are extremely proud of them. Just making it to the State Championship alone is a tremendous accomplishment and extremely difficult to do. Coach Hobart is an amazing coach and I’m fortunate enough to have had him coach me in High School and now help coach the Rattlers.
Q: Any pre-game rituals?
A: I will eat steak and gnocchi two days before my game. On game day nothing too special; I go left to right when putting my gear on and eat two green apple jolly ranchers – one before warm-ups and one before we walk out to the game.
Q: Favorite pre-game meal?
A: Panera Frontega chicken and side green goddess salad.
Q: What is your favorite sport outside of lacrosse?
A: It’s a toss up between Football and Hockey. I grew up playing both of them and loved them equally as much. I was planning on taking a 5th year to go play football before I hurt my knee.
Q: What is one thing you just can’t live without?
A: Water
Just kidding, but seriously. Wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for the loving support from my family, starting with my parents John & Rita. As I stated above, I grew up watching my siblings, Tricia, Jonathan & Christopher, and have always idolized them.
Q: Favorite movie?
A: I have a lot, but one that I can always watch is Super Troopers.
Q: Most played song of the week?
A: I am always listening to the Highway on Sirius XM… so something country
Q: What would you tell someone that is just starting to play the game?
A: Play as many sports as possible growing up. Be a true athlete, not just a lacrosse player. Make sure you’re working just as hard, if not harder, on your academics than you would lacrosse. Stay humble; my mother always told me “There is always someone better than you out there”.