During his season with the Junior Sabres, Tuch spent weekends skating with Matt Ellis (now the Sabres' director of development) and others at the Academy of Hockey. He trained at IMPACT Sports Performance. The Junior Sabres utilized the facility's video rooms to break down film.
"Playing in the Harborcenter, they have all top-of-the-line facilities for a youth hockey program," he said. "… I think all that development really helped me to my next goal."
Players credit their work with the Academy of Hockey in particular for helping prepare them for the next level. Developed by former director Kevyn Adams (now general manager of the Sabres), the program tailors detailed, specific programs intended to help a player reach their potential.
Ambrosio - a Welland, Ont. native - started training with the Academy when he was 13. He made the jump to the Junior Sabres two years later, playing against competition up to two years older.
"They don't really hone in on one specific thing," Ambrosio said. "It's everything. It's skating, it's your edges, it's your shot, it's your release. So, it all kind of ties into becoming a complete player at the next level. I think that's a big factor on where I am today in my game and how I've kind of gotten better over the years, just going to all the Academy of Hockey skates and working on my game."
Tuch said the experience taught him how to think like a pro at a young age.
"It was huge for me," he said. "They would teach me some pro drills, how pros think the game and how they prepare. I think a big part of it was preparation whether it was before games or during practice and practicing like you play. I think doing those skill sessions and applying those skills to real-life situations, that was huge for my game."
Ellis, the former Sabres forward, became a mentor in the process. Tuch would review games with him and pick his brain regularly. Ambrosio still feels he can reach out to Ellis and expect honest feedback.
"Whenever I need help on a certain part of my game I can text him and he knows right away what to help me with," he said. "So, I can't thank him enough. He's done a lot for me."
All five Junior Sabres alum are on track to continue high-level careers regardless of the outcome at the draft. Tuch is scheduled to begin his collegiate career this season at Boston University. Ambrosio and Kuntar will both play collegiately at Boston College, while Constantini is slated to spend a season in BCHL Penticton before playing at North Dakota. McDonnell plays for Kitchener of the OHL.
They don't expect to be the last to benefit from their time at LECOM Harborcenter.
"They honestly could not have done a better job with the Academy of Hockey and the resources," Kuntar said. "Especially the guys that are young there. I mean, I started the Academy of Hockey when I was 13. I can't imagine what it would be like if I started when I was 9 or 10. Those kids, they definitely have a really bright future. I'm definitely excited to see how they do."
"I think it's a hockey hotbed, for sure," Tuch added. "They're doing a great job there with development."
