HARBORCENTER VP and Director of the Academy of Hockey Kevyn Adams today announced that Marty Biron has joined the Academy of Hockey coaching staff, and will serve as its Director of Goaltending.

“Marty Biron has had success at every level of hockey,” Adams said. “He was a first-round pick in the NHL, fostered that talent through a tremendous work ethic, and over many years developed an understanding of hockey that’s second to none. With the benefit of all of his accomplishments, Marty is well-positioned to provide world class instruction that will make the HARBORCENTER Academy of Hockey a destination for goaltenders.”

Biron has been connected to Buffalo for almost 20 years. He was selected by the Sabres in the first round of the 1995 draft and made his debut that same season, at the age of 18. Biron went on to spend parts of nine seasons in blue and gold, and currently ranks fourth in franchise history with 300 games played. Biron posted a 134-115-37 record with the Sabres, with a 2.53 goals against average and .909 save percentage. In 2007, he was traded to the Philadelphia Flyers and led the team to the 2008 Eastern Conference Finals. Following his time in Philadelphia, Biron went on to join the Islanders and Rangers, retiring from the NHL on October 20th of last year, almost 19 years after playing his first NHL game. In all, Biron played in 508 NHL games and compiled a record of 230-191-80.

“I want to help improve and develop goaltenders at all levels at the Academy of Hockey,” Biron said. “As a father of four, I am very passionate about youth hockey development and am excited to work with young players. I’m equally eager to help goaltenders at the junior and professional levels to advance their game to an elite level. I am very excited to return to Buffalo and give back to the people and community who were so supportive throughout my career.”

As the Academy of Hockey’s Director of Goaltending, Biron will work to create an innovative approach to coaching that position. He will help shape and implement all goaltending aspects of the Academy of Hockey. Biron will work to form programs, create specialized instruction plans and drills, and aid in The Academy’s advanced use of video. Biron will develop the Academy of Hockey’s goaltending philosophy, and formulate both in-season and offseason goaltending development programs.

“With Marty and Adam Mair now on my staff, we make all the more clear our commitment to provide best-in-class teaching and a differentiating experience for every player and coach that visits HARBORCENTER”, Adams noted. “And in the months ahead, we look forward to rounding out our coaching team with other well-qualified and highly-credentialed coaches at all levels”.

The HARBORCENTER Academy of Hockey is dedicated to being the premier development destination for hockey players and coaches. The Academy will provide development programs, premier training both on and off the ice, plus skill-specific lectures and private classes to make for a unique and differentiating experience for hockey players and coaches.