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- May 10, 2017
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How Sabres can learn from their previous attempt at video amateur scouting model
The strategy annoyed scouts from other teams, produced more draft failures than success stories and drew the ire of fans because many believed it was born out of budget cuts by former owner Tom Golisano. However, video is now regarded as a useful scouting tool and will be used by new Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams as he prepares for his first draft this October.
“It’s a supplemental tool,” said Jeremiah Crowe, the Sabres’ newly appointed director of scouting. “You can only be in one place at a time as a scout and we used a ton of video in the amateur and pro scouting staffs. That holds true for every guy I know in different organizations, but it can be used most effectively with an approach that incorporates it kind of at the front end.”
Regier’s first foray into video wasn’t in amateur scouting. He assigned Schranz some NHL games to edit and analyze for the purpose of learning more about possible player acquisitions. The Sabres continued video in pro scouting and it later was used by Lindy Ruff’s coaching staff to prepare for games.
Although Schranz moved into hockey operations in 2002, it wasn’t until the 2003 draft that the Sabres learned the value of technology in evaluating prospects. Buffalo hosted the NCAA Frozen Four that April, providing Regier with an opportunity to use the team’s in-arena cameras to capture significant footage of Thomas Vanek, the University of Minnesota winger the Sabres later drafted fifth overall.