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
Norse-Jak, fantasy apparel (Dennis Reed Jr, 2025).jpg
NAHL Certificate of Membership (1975-05-10).jpg
Buffalo Norsemen Magazine (c1976-02-15).jpg
Keke Mortson profile; Norsemen are Here article by Paul Moran. Photo of viking helmet.
Buffalo Norsemen Magazine v Cape Codders (c.1975-12-28).jpg
Buffalo Norsemen Magazine (c.1975-12).jpg
Seating diagram of Tonawanda Sports Center
Buffalo Norsemen Magazine v Johnstown Jets in playoffs, (c.1976-03-20).jpg
Board of directors. Claude Noel and Larry Gould profiles. season stats and record
Balance of schedule and map (Buffalo Norsemen, c1976-02).jpg
Work begun on N Tonawanda Arena, illustrated article (Courier Express, 1974-04-19).pdf
Tondas Minor Hockey, ad (1978-05-07_070).pdf
Tondas Hockey School, pennant (c1977).jpg
Tondas hockey puck, photo (Courtesy of Steve Miano, c. 1977).jpg
Summer Hockey at Tonawanda Sports Center, ad (Courier-Express, 1979-02-25).jpg
Steve Miano on the Tondas, photo (c.1977).jpg
Sports Center contract veto sustained, article (Courier-Express, 1978-01-04).pdf
Sabres may practice at TSC, article (Tonawanda News, 1976-09-29).pdf
Plans for limitless future developed as Tonawanda Sport Center rises, article (Courier Express, 1974-07-21).pdf
NT Sports complex is planned, article (Courier Express, 1973-09-01).jpg
N. Tonawanda ice rinks taking shape, article (Courier Express, 1974-01-18).jpg
Lumberjack TV soon, article (Courier-Express, 1979-01-24).pdf
Lumberjack Television System, article (1978-08-15).pdf
U. S ban clouds future of Tondas, article (Courier Express, 1974-09-20).pdf
Tondas v Wolves exhibition game, ad (Courier Express, 1974-09-14).pdf
Tondas finished 7th, but season had bright spots, article (Courier Express, 1974-03-23).pdf
Tondas finally get home schedule, article (1974-08-10).pdf
Tondas Coach Gerald Reycraft, photo (c1973).jpg
Tondas are first NY State team in Junior A Hockey, article 2 of 2 (Courier-Express, 1973-09-27).pdf
Tondas are first NY State team in Junior A Hockey, article (Courier-Express, 1973-09-27).pdf
Marshall, Tondas coach, charges "Discrimination," article (Courier Express, 1974-10-01).pdf
Conspiracy suit filed by Tondas, article (Courier Express, 1974-10-17).pdf
Buffalo Tondas at Tonawanda Sports Center, ad (Courier Express, 1974-09-07).pdf
Tondas v Wolves, ad (Courier-Express, 1974-09-13).pdf
Former Tonawanda Sports Center, home of the Buffalo Norsemen, photo set (Dennis Reed Jr., 2025).gal
Oliver Hotel, 910 Oliver Street, token (c1920).png
Former Frontier Chocolate Factory, Modu-Craft, photo (Google, 2025).jpg
Champagne flows, Norsemen enter playoffs, article (Tonawanda News, 1976-03-17).pdf
Turecki, bio (NCCC Spirit, 1985-02-19).jpg
See the other hockey team play at the aud, illustrated ad, article (Tonawanda News, 1976-02-07).pdf
Philly wins game as coach sits in jail, article (Tonawanda News, 1976-02-07).pdf
Norsemen win forfeit, article (Tonawanda News, 1976-02-27).pdf
Norsemen trim Comets on 3rd period surge, article (Tonawanda News, 1975-10-13).pdf
Norsemen take 4-1 win in Philly; Home tonight, article (Tonawanda News, 1975-10-28).pdf
Norsemen tag Jets behind goalie Makey, article (Tonawanda News, 1976-02-19).pdf
Norsemen surprise Beauce in Aud, article (Tonawanda News, 1976-03-19).pdf
Norsemen still slipping, article (Tonawanda News, 1976-02-09).pdf
Norsemen square playoff series, Enough is enough on goon tactics, articles (Tonawanda News, 1976-03-26).pdf
Norsemen reach an unbelievable end, article (Tonawanda News, 1976-03-29).pdf
Norsemen open playoffs against Johnstown, spirit running high, Keke Mortson photo, article (Tonawanda News, 1976-03-20).pdf
Norsemen open first NAHL season tonight, logo, article (Tonawanda News, 1975-10-17).pdf
Norsemen nicked in overtime 3-2, article (Tonawanda News, 1976-01-26).pdf
Norsemen need boost to continue ice play, article (Tonawanda News, 1976-06-18).pdf
Norsemen lose out 8-2, article (Tonawanda News, 1975-10-27).pdf
Norsemen lose out--off and on ice, McSheffrey's revenge, article (Tonawanda News, 1976-03-11).pdf
Norsemen lose in overtime, photos, article (Tonawanda News, 1975-10-18).pdf
Norsemen lose as late goal against Erie is disallowed, Keke Mortsen photo, article (Tonawanda News, 1976-02-12).pdf
Norsemen lose (Game 3) as Guy's misdeed proves costly, Paul Newman in Johnstown (Guy delay penalty), article (Tonawanda News, 1976-03-25).pdf
Norsemen in big drop face tough assignment, article (Tonawanda News, 1976-03-12).pdf
Norsemen host to Nordiques, article (Tonawanda News, 1975-10-28).pdf
Norsemen hope to end streak, ad promising free ticket if they lose, article (Tonawanda News, 1976-01-05).pdf
Norsemen hope to clinch playoff series tonight, article (Tonawanda News, 1976-03-27).pdf
Norsemen halt long string, article (Tonawanda News, 1976-01-12).pdf
Norsemen found guilty, article (Tonawanda News, 1976-05-15).pdf
Norsemen face key road tilt, article (Tonawanda News, 1976-03-03).pdf
Norsemen face Erie in final exhibition, article (Tonawanda News, 1975-10-14).pdf
Norsemen explode for 12 goals, 602 in attendance, article (Tonawanda News, 1975-10-22).pdf
Norsemen edge Erie Blades, article (Tonawanda News, 1976-01-29).pdf
Norsemen drop 6th straight, article (Tonawanda News, 1976-01-05).pdf
Norsemen cruise by Maine, photo, article (Tonawanda News, 1975-10-29).pdf
Norsemen by 3-1, article (Tonawanda News, 1975-10-11).pdf
Norsemen boosters to meet, article (Tonawanda News, 1976-01-05).pdf
Norsemen blast Comets in Aud, article (Tonawanda News, 1976-02-14).pdf
Norsemen battle Beauce tonight, article (Tonawanda News, 1976-01-22).pdf
Norsemen, ad (Tonawanda News, 1975-10-31).pdf
Norsemen's Morin eyes future, player photo, article (Tonawanda News, 1975-10-31).pdf
Norsemen's idleness inevitable, Turecki pic, article (Tonawanda News, 1976-06-21).pdf
Norsemen's forfeit victory nullified, Trottier in suit photo, article (Tonawanda News, 1976-02-13).pdf
N-Men's protest results in win against Binghamton, article (Tonawanda News, 1976-02-11).pdf
Neeld suspension irks Norsemen, article (Tonawanda News, 1976-03-24).pdf
Neeld, LaBelle talk about Jets incidents, article (Tonawanda News, 1976-03-30).pdf
NAHL recesses until June, article (Tonawanda News, 1976-05-17).pdf
N-men off to walking start in NAHL wars, article (Tonawanda News, 1975-10-20).pdf
N-men duel the leaders, article (Tonawanda News, 1976-01-13).pdf
League meetings key to Norsemen's future, article (Tonawanda News, 1976-04-29).pdf
Johnstown nips Norsemen, article (Tonawanda News, 1976-01-14).pdf
Jets check Norsemen in rough 6-4 battle, article (Tonawanda News, 1976-03-23).pdf
Jets bomb Norsemen, article (Tonawanda News, 1976-01-03).pdf
Hockey, Anyone? article (UB Reporter 1975-09-25).pdf
Erie edges Norsemen, article (Tonawanda News, 1976-01-08).pdf
Defense is only chink in Norsemen armor, article (Tonawanda News, 1975-10-15).pdf
Comets belt N-Men 7-1, article (Tonawanda News, 1976-02-02).pdf
Codders beat N-Men, photo, article (Tonawanda News, 1976-01-31).pdf
Beauce Jaros, Mainiacs, Philly here for fan night, article (Tonawanda News, 1976-01-24).pdf
Bad decision, letter to editor, article (Tonawanda News, 1976-04-02).pdf
A memorable weekend with Norsemen, article (Tonawanda News, 1976-02-20).pdf
19-second spree for Norsemen is record, article (Tonawanda News, 1976-01-16).pdf
Ironton Land Co. gives Village of North Tonawanda land for Avenues, others (Grantor Index, New York Land Records, 1894).jpg