GLENS FALLS — The Adirondack Thunder, proud ECHL affiliate of the New Jersey Devils and Utica Comets, has announced that they have signed defenseman Chris Lijdsman to a standard player contract for the 2021-22 season and have acquired Jake Ryczek, also a defenseman, in a three-team trade from the Wheeling Nailers via the Reading Royals. The full trade included the Royals sending Ryczek to the Nailers in exchange for forward Jacob Pritchard, then Wheeling flipping Ryczek to Adirondack for future considerations. 

Lijdsman (pronounced LYDES-min) joins the Thunder defense after spending the 2020-21 season with the Birmingham Bulls of the Southern Professional Hockey League. In the 39 games, Lijdsman scored two goals and added 10 assists. Over the course of four seasons, Lijdsman skated in 127 SPHL games and saw time with Pensacola Ice Flyers, Huntsville Havoc, and Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs. 

Lijdsman made his ECHL debut with the Jacksonville IceMen in 2019-20. The 30-year-old suited up for 15 games, racked up 21 penalty minutes, and had a +7 rating. 

Ryczek spent the 2019-20 season with the Indy Fuel, recording 17 points with 46 games played. 

Ryczek played for three seasons in the United States Hockey League and suited up for the Sioux City Muskateers and the Chicago Steel. The 23-year-old recorded 81 points (21 goals, 60 assists) in 151 games in his USHL career. 

The Opening Night Four Pack is Back! The Thunder open their 2021-22 season on Oct. 23 against the Newfoundland Growlers. Get four tickets, four souvenir cups, and two Sky Zone jump passes for only $69. Visit www.echlthunder.com/fourpack or the SeatGeek Box Office at Cool Insuring Arena to get yours today. For all the lastest Adirondack Thunder news, follow the team on all social media @ECHLThunder. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS – Registration is open for the Saratoga Youth Hockey, Saratoga Blue Knights, Learn to Play/Learn to Skate program that will begin on Oct. 9. 

Get to know the game – skating, shooting, handling, passing, and teamwork are just a few of the basics covered in the 10-week program. The 1-hour sessions are for ages 5-10, who will receive professional instruction alongside NYR staff and Rangers alumni. The program also includes FREE head-to-toe equipment, including skates for first timers, and a gear fitting. 

Saratoga Youth Hockey began their partnership with the NY Rangers two years, and 100+ kids have joined since. Use the following link to register now: https://bit.ly/saratogaltp.

CLIFTON PARK – Spectrum News 1 has announced their most recent Capital Region Spectrum Scholar-Athlete as Michael McElrath of Shenendehowa High School in Clifton Park. Clifton Park Town Supervisor Phil Barrett presented Michael with a $1,000 scholarship award for his achievements in academics, football, and indoor and outdoor track on the field during halftime of the Shaker-Shen matchup this past Friday, Sept. 24.

Spectrum’s 2021-22 Spectrum Scholar-Athlete program honors outstanding senior year students who demonstrate excellence in academics, athletics, and community service with a $1,000 scholarship to help them with college expenses. Student athletes will be recognized throughout the 2021-22 school year during halftime at every Friday night game throughout the high school football season. 

ALBANY — Aisling Cuffe of Concord, MA, surged to an early lead that she never relinquished for a dominant victory in the 43rd Freihofer’s Run for Women in Albany, NY. Cuffe, wearing bib No. 1, finished the 5-kilometer race in 16 minutes, 34 seconds, which was 40 seconds ahead of her nearest competitor.

The 28-year-old Cuffe, who ran high school cross-country track for Cornwall Central High School and was competing in the prestigious all women road race for the first time, earned a $3,000 first-place prize on a cool, crisp early autumn morning on Sept. 25. 

Cuffe paced a field of more than 1,200 women. As she zoomed down the final stretch about 50 yards ahead of the nearest runner, Cuffe received a round of applause from spectators lining Washington Avenue adjacent to the New York State Capitol building. 

“I love races like this where you get to see the other people in the race,” said Cuffe. “Even the start, when Event Director Kristen Hislop was announcing the birthdays, I love that! The number of people who come out and share in the sport of running, having fun together, it’s so inspiring. I love it!” 

Traditionally run the Saturday after Memorial Day, the Freihofer’s moved to September due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The race still drew a field of elite runners from throughout New York state and New England, as well as hundreds of local recreational runners. Their ages spanned from nine to 89. 

Five of the top 10 finishers were from the immediate Capital Region, including second-place finisher Cara Sherman, a former distance runner for the University at Albany and nearby Mohonasen High School in Rotterdam, NY. The 24-year-old finished in 17:14. 

“I was surprised to finish so high, but I hit the time I was shooting for,” said Sherman. “I thought I’d be around 17:15, so I was pretty happy with that.” 

Annika Sisson, a 25-year-old from Pawtucket, RI who competed at the NCAA regional meet several times in college in the 1500 and won six conference titles for SUNY Stony Brook, was third in 17:24. 

While Cuffe ran virtually uncontested through scenic Washington Park, the masters (over 40) field grew increasingly competitive. Syracuse resident Sascha Scott, 46, actually improved her mile splits at every interval and captured the masters race in 18:17. 

“We were all pretty close at the start and came through the first mile in a real relaxed pace,” said Scoot, who had run the Freihofer’s once before 13 years ago. “I decided to pick it up the second mile and ran the third mile as fast as I could.” 

An associate professor of art history at Syracuse University who holds a pending age-group record in the mile (4:53:52), Scott was followed to the finish line by Marisa Sutera Strange (18:56), a 2020 USATF Masters Hall of Fame inductee, and Renee Tolan (18:57) of Clifton Park, NY, who was competing for the Albany Running Exchange Racing Team. 

“It’s very different to run this race in September,” said Sutera Strange, 58, who resides in Millbrook, NY, and has competed many times. “I’m just grateful they were able to pull this off. It’s such a great event.” 

Open 

1. Aisling Cuffe (Concord, MA) 16:34 ($3,000)
2. Cara Sherman (Schenectady, NY) 17:14 ($2,500)
3. Annika Sisson (Pawtucket, RI) 17:24 ($2,000)
4. Caitie Meyer (Albany, NY) 17:34 ($1,500)
5. Kerry Allen (Washington, D.C.) 17:39 ($1,250)
6. Karen Bertasso Hugh (Selkirk, NY) 17:42 ($1,000)
7. Tricia Longo (Waterford, NY) 17:50 ($750)
8. Sarah Danner (Gowanda, NY) 17:57 ($500)
9. Elizabeth Debole (Albany, NY) 18:02 ($250)
10. Sascha Scott (Syracuse, NY) 18:17 ($200)

Masters 

1. Sascha Scott (Syracuse, NY) 18:17 ($1,000)
2. Marisa Sutera Strange (Millbrook, NY) 18:56 ($800)
3. Renee Tolan (Clifton Park, NY) 18:57 ($600)
4. Laura Kline (Syracuse, NY) 18:59 ($400)
5. Erin Lopez (Ivoryton, CT) 19:01 ($200)

For full results visit  www.zippyreg.com/results/live/overall.php?eid=82&rid=151 

At Belmont Park on Saturday, October 2 they will run the Champagne Stakes for two-year-olds as they have in the fall since 1867. It is s storied race and one from which I learned some important lessons as a teenager.

 It was the fall of 1978, the world was in its usual state of flux, New York City was in the midst of its financial crisis, and something called a cellular phone was being used for the first time. The world also saw a test tube baby for the first time and a handheld stereo called the “Walkman” was making music portable. A phantom named the Uni-bomber was beginning his terror spree. The only thing certain was that things were changing – quickly.

Those of us in the horse racing world, however, were confident we had it figured out. Everything had gone so smoothly since Secretariat came onto the scene. 

Secretariat was so good as a two-year-old that he was named Horse of the Year. He roared into his three-year-old campaign and swept the Triple Crown with such authority it left young people and grizzled old horse players alike in awe. 

Fans grudgingly accepted his early relocation to the breeding shed because his connections assured that he met all the tests of greatness. He was the best of his generation, won at sprints and routes, beat older horses, won giving weight, won on dirt and grass and in a sporting gesture and a nod to the Canadian roots of his trainer and rider, won in Canada. He set track records along the way and managed to be on the cover of news stalwarts – Time Magazine and Newsweek in the same week.

Secretariat’s departure to stud left a big hole in the sport, but it was clear that his babies would come along soon enough.

While we waited, Forego, who ran in Secretariat’s Kentucky Derby, would emerge as the best handicap horse in a generation; the fabulous, rough and tumble filly Ruffian would come along and thrill us like no other, and the fierce and fleet footed Seattle Slew would come along for unknown connections and dominate the Triple Crown again in 1977.

If that wasn’t enough, 1977 saw the beginning of a rivalry between two-year olds from different backgrounds. The royally-bred Alydar from Kentucky and the modestly bred Affirmed from Florida would trade victories as two-year olds and come into the 1978 Triple Crown races as rivals – each with their own fierce supporters.

In 1978 we were again treated to a Triple Crown winner in Affirmed – this time one where tenacity and grit – not power and brilliance – were the defining characteristics. 

We understood this game now. We knew how to look for the next great one. When the first crop sired by Secretariat was less than stellar, we nonetheless remained confident that the next great one was right around the corner. When we turned our eyes towards the two-year olds of 1978 we knew what we were looking for and there he was. He was a son of Secretariat owned by Bertram Firestone; trained by Leroy Jolley and he was beautiful. His name was General Assembly. 

It was at Saratoga exactly a week after the Travers (where Affirmed beat Alydar again but lost the race in the stewards’ stand) – the Hopeful Stakes – the last stakes of the then four-week Saratoga meet. General Assembly, the son of Secretariat was about to take his rightful place as the heir apparent. He didn’t disappoint. Not only did he run like his father, he looked like him. He rolled to an authoritative victory and we all nodded that we had seen the two-year-old champion and 1979 classic winner. Remember – we had this game figured out.

Eight weeks later at Belmont, October 8, 1978 General Assembly was favored to annex the Champagne Stakes on his way to the two-year-old Eclipse Award and I was assigned to work selling tickets on the third floor of the Belmont Clubhouse. The high rollers frequently gathered on the third floor of the Clubhouse at Belmont back then. I took pride in handling their large bets.

It was before the new era of computerized mutuals, and racing was slowly moving away from the requirement that each race only be bet in the thirty or so minutes before the race. Advanced wagering was being approached cautiously due to tradition and computer limitations. At that time advanced wagering on the remainder of the card could only take place after the Daily Double on the first two races.

Before the first race, I was approached by an unassuming man in his forties, and he asked when he could bet “the feature.” I politely told him he had to wait until after the Daily Double. After the first race, he reappeared. I indicated that it wasn’t after the Daily Double had been closed to wagering but after the races had been run. He apologized but dutifully returned after the second race to inquire a third time. This time I had to tell him he had to wait until the second race was official. He stepped away again.

Finally, the bell rang signifying all subsequent races were now open for betting. I motioned to the polite but impatient gambler, and he approached. He indicated he wanted to bet the feature. He produced four banded stacks of $100 bills each containing $5,000. He wanted to bet $20,000 – all to win.

Knowing that I had figured this game out, I prepared to print tickets on General Assembly – the heir apparent. I placed my hand on the number three button correlating to General Assembly. He corrected me. “Number 2 please” he commanded. “What!” I thought. “Are you sure” I said as I flipped my program to see who he was betting. “Yes sir” he said “Spectacular Bid. You might want to bet him yourself.” Flabbergasted I punched out 400 $50 Win tickets on Spectacular Bid – my mind puzzled. Was he mad or informed? Was he eccentric or slick? Was he too rich for his own good?

It would take hours to know. There was a buzz in the crowd as Spectacular Bid – not General Assembly – opened as the favorite but eventually the New York betting public ignored the early money and showed its loyalty to General Assembly, making him the favorite at $1.40-1. Despite the large early bet Spectacular Bid fell to the $2.40-1 third choice after Calumet Farm’s Tim the Tiger became the second choice in the last minute.

When the gates opened, we saw something different. What we then knew was that you never know what or who is waiting around the corner. Within jumps of the start Spectacular Bid had assumed the lead from his rail post position and the race was over. General Assembly would gamely try to get to the leader on the turn, but the gray colt would skip away and snatch the title of the next great one. He went on to one of the best horses not to win the Triple Crown.

Spectacular Bid’s New York debut taught me some lessons. In ascending order of importance, never ignore early money; respect what others know; and most importantly – “you never know who or what is waiting around the corner. As in racing as in life – the strongest opponent you may face is the one you don’t see coming – you simply never have everything figured out.”

NISKAYUNA — It was homecoming for the Niskayuna Varsity Football Team as the Silver Warriors defeated the Ballston Spa Scotties in a regular season game on Friday, Sept. 24, to secure their third win. 

Niskayuna scored all their points before halftime, to lead 28-0. In the first quarter, Dan Quinn had a 4 yd. scoring run and a 16 yd. TD pass to Dahvion Wimberly. In the second, Quinn threw for 2 more TD passes, one for 22 yds. to Tanner Wood and the other 15 yds. to find Wimberly again. Harvey was 4/4 on extra point attempts. 

Ballston Spa battled back in the second half with Isaiah Hannah and Andrew Kramer’s rushing touchdowns to make the final score 28-14. Hannah had 3 carries for 15 yds. and the 1 TD. Kramer had 5 carries for 10 yds. with the 1 TD. Passing, Kramer completed 4 of 10 attempts for 25 yds. with a long of 11. On defense, Hannah had 5 tackles with 2 for a loss and a fumble recovery. 

Also notable for the Scotties, Darrien Insogna had 18 carries for 142 yds. with a long of 55. Troy Gottman caught 2 passes for 14 yds. and Blaine Zoller caught 1 pass for 11 yds. On defense, Zoller had 5 tackles with one for a loss. Scott Dufore had 4 tackles and an INT. 

Niskayuna improves to 3-1. Ballston Spa falls to 2-2. Ballston Spa will play on their home field Friday, Oct. 1 against the South Glens Falls Bulldogs; kick-off will be at 7 p.m. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — It was a battle between the red, white, and blue as Saratoga hosted Schenectady on Friday, Sept. 24.  The Blue Streaks came away victorious with a 35-18 win over the Patriots. Over 2,000 people were in attendance for the Class AA football match and Saratoga’s homecoming game. 

Schenectady’s Damire Smith scored the first touchdown of the game on a 4 yd. run after a 10-play scoring drive made by the Patriots. Jakiem Edge made an interception at the Patriot’s 1-yard line for a change in possession, stopping Saratoga from scoring in the first quarter. 

But, as the fans rattled the bleachers 2 minutes into the second quarter, Saratoga’s Rodell Evans evened the score on a 1 yd. run. Schenectady battled back, with Moses Grant also scoring on a 1 yd. run. It was the Blue Streaks who walked away at halftime with the 2-point lead after Gordon Murray’s 20 yd. scoring run and a successful two-point conversion pass from quarterback Nate Siewert to Chris Youngs. 

Saratoga started to run away with the lead after a 17 yd. TD pass from Siewert to Christian Mello in the third quarter, a 30 yd. TD pass from Siewert to Youngs 14 seconds into the fourth, and then Jared Arpey’s 20 yd. TD run. 

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The score was 35-12 in the fourth quarter when Smith had an 80 yd. TD run for Schenectady, making the final score 35-18. Smith finished the game with 13 carries for 170 yds. Also, for the Patriots, Grant had 77 yards on 16 carries. 

For the Blue Streaks, John Bidonde had 92 yards on 14 carries. Evans, also a quarterback, had 73 yards on 9 carries and completed 2 of 5 attempts for 21 yards. Siewert completed 5 of 9 attempts for 52 yards. 

The Blue Streaks league record improves to 1-2, and they are on the road in Guilderland on Friday, Oct. 1. 

Taking place at halftime during the homecoming game, The Best Buddies and Unified Sports programs unveiled a banner honoring Saratoga Springs High School’s as a National Unified Champion School. This distinction marks the highest level of achievement for Unified Champion schools in the nation. SSHS is one of 14 schools in New York State to earn this recognition. 

Congrats to this week’s Athlete of the Week – Sarah McMahon!

Sarah is a senior at Schuylerville High School and is the Captain of the Schuylerville Girls’ Varsity Soccer Team for the second year in a row. Along with being a leader on her own team, she helps the JV players with their soccer skills and development as well. So far this season, Sarah has led the team to a 4-0 record with 0 goals scored against the team. Sarah has scored 6 goals herself so far. 

Sarah is also one of the top students in her class. She has been a volunteer coach with the OSAA (Old Saratoga Athletic Association) rec. soccer program for years. When not working on school and sports, Sarah works on her family’s farm. 

Contact the Recreation Department at 518-587-3550 x2300 or recreservations@saratoga-springs.org with questions. 

Intro to Ice Skating   

Build your skills! From your first steps on the ice through advanced moves, the Intro to Ice Skating Program will prepare you for more specialized forms of ice skating. 

The program is for ages 3 and up. Early fall dates are Tuesdays starting Oct. 5 through Nov. 9 from 4:45 to 6:15 p.m. Fall dates from Nov. 16 through Dec. 21 (no Nov. 27) are Tuesdays from 4:45 to 6:15 p.m. or Saturdays from 11:15 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. 

Intro to Ice Skating will be held at the Vernon and Weibel Ice Rinks (30 Weibel Avenue). You will need: snow or fleece pants; warm jacket; mittens or gloves; bike, ski, or hockey helmet (required for all). A responsible adult must accompany beginning skaters on the ice to assist with instruction. Adults do not need skates. 

Fees before Sept. 27 are $65 for City residents and $85 for non-City residents. Fees after Sept. 27 are $90 for City residents and $110 for non-City residents. Skate rental fees per class are $5, and a punch card (good for current session only) is $25. 

Coordinator is Jill Ramos, USFS Quadruple Gold Medalist with over 25 years of experience. Instructors are: Amanda Shelburne, Regional and National Coach and PSA Master Rated with over 40 years of experience; Pat Kenkel, Regional and National Coach with over 35 years of experience; Kelsey Clechenko, with over seven years of experience; Gwen Craig, with over 6 years of experience; and Mary Magnus, US Speed Skating Coach and Nationally Ranked Speed Skater. 

Boxing – Co-Sponsored with Saratoga Youth Boxing 

This non-contact clinic will teach proper boxing technique and conditioning. Light contact will be available for those who want to take it to the next level. Full safety equipment and coaches approval required.

This clinic is for ages 8–15 and will run from Oct. 25 to Oct. 29, 6 to 8 p.m. at the Saratoga Youth Boxing Gym at Weibel Ice Rink (30 Weibel Avenue). Fees before Oct. 22 are $55 for City residents and $65 for non-City residents. Fees after Oct. 22 are $80 for City residents and $90 for non-City residents. A t-shirt is included; participants will need to bring a water, sneakers, and towel. 

 Bowling – Co-Sponsored with Saratoga Strike Zone 

See if bowling is up your alley! This so-sponsored program will introduce participants to bowling fundamentals and technique through discussion, demonstration, and practice. Rental shoes and ball provided. 

This program is for ages 8-14; a responsible adult 21 years or older must accompany each participant. It will run from Oct. 12 to Nov. 16, Tuesdays from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Saratoga Strike Zone (32 Ballston Avenue). Fees before Oct. 4 are $80 for City residents and $90 for non-City residents. Fees after Oct. 4 are $105 for City residents and $115 for non-City residents. A t-shirt is included; participants will need to bring their own water. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Upcoming golf tournament to benefit LIVESTRONG at the YMCA is looking for help from the community. 

Kelli Prestigiacomo recently graduated from the LIVESTRONG program at the Saratoga YMCA – a 12-week training program for cancer survivors. She was so touched by how it helped her physically and mentally that she wanted to give back in some way. Kelli, along with her husband, organized the LIVESTRONG Golf Scramble. 

The golf scramble will take place on Friday, Oct. 15 at the Saratoga Lake Golf Club (35 Gracemoore Rd., Saratoga Springs) with registration at 11 a.m. and a shotgun start at 12 p.m. Cost per golfer is $125 or $500 for a foursome and includes lunch at the turn and a buffet dinner at the Hideaway at the course; dinner only is $60 per person. 

The tournament is looking for tee sponsors, golfers, wine donations (for a wine pull at the dinner), and raffle prizes. There will be a 50/50 and raffle prizes, 1st and 2nd place prizes, hole-in-one-prize, closest to the pin prize, and longest drive prize. 

The YMCA and LIVESTRONG joined together to create LIVESTRONG at the YMCA: “a physical activity and well-being program designed to help adult cancer survivors achieve their health goals.” The 12-week training program is with certified personal trainers and provides participants and their workout buddies with a four-month Y membership. 

To register for or support the LIVESTRONG Golf Scramble, or for more information about the LIVESTRONG program, contact the SRYMCA Developmental Office at 518-583-9622 ext. 138 or email shannon.vanhall@srymca.org.