Jr. Sabres program to usher in new era for girls hockey in Buffalo

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) – Many are likely familiar with the Jr. Sabres organization, a developmental hockey program designed to help players aspiring to reach the NHL. The organization has always focused on boys hockey — until this year.

The inaugural season of the Buffalo Jr. Sabres girls program is here.

The program is designed to provide girls with equal opportunities, including access to top-tier coaches, state-of-the-art facilities, competitive games, and prestigious tournaments. It offers a valuable pathway for skill development in the Buffalo area, helping pave the way for girls to pursue collegiate and professional hockey.

This season, the program features both a 12U and a 14U team, with plans to add a 16U team next season. The Sabres organization is dedicated to the program's growth, recognizing the increasing interest among young girls in the Western New York area who are eager to play hockey.

"It's really fun and interesting to pave the way for the first girls' team," said Mya DeSantis, a forward and captain of the team. "It's exciting that we're the first to do it, and we’re setting an example for younger girls."

Kennedy Reiford, fellow forward and captain, also expressed her passion for the program.

"I really like it," Reiford said. "It's a big aspect of the game for me to just inspire young girls and stuff, so it's enjoyable, and I like to be a good role model."

Head coach Peter DeSantis brings a wealth of local experience to the Buffalo Jr. Sabres girls program. Born and raised in Niagara Falls, he played hockey for Niagara University in the late 1990s. He also had a brief stint with the NHL, trying out with the Ottawa Senators.

Now back in Buffalo, DeSantis leads the 14U girls team and is enthusiastic about elevating girls hockey within the Sabres organization. He also emphasized the significance of the program.

"The fact that it's a Tier 1 girls program, and it's top-level, as high as you can go — some of these girls came from boys programs where they were working with boys and playing on boys teams," he said. "Now, the fact that they can play together on a team with all girls, and then you have younger girls who can look up to them and progress, starting at the younger levels, continuing to get better — these girls are the first year of the program. They are the starting point. They were the threshold, and we can emulate them and get better."