1962 – 1963 – Hockey Returns – Hockey at the University begins again at the “club” level, meaning it received no funds from the Athletic Department. It was student run, with no recruiting. Anyone who wanted to skate for Buffalo had to foot his own bill, usually $25 per man. The Bulls played teams from the Buffalo Muny League and from the newly formed Finger Lakes Collegiate Hockey League. Star players included center Dan Gorney, goalie Ken Sherry, winger Jerry Doherty and defenseman John Cimba. COACH: Karl Balland FINAL RECORD: 3-3-1
1963 – 1964 – Praised in Sports Illustrated – The Hockey Bulls were officially accepted into the Finger Lakes Collegiate Hockey League and received financial support from the athletics department. The team wound up with a 9 won, 2 lost, 1 tie record and a second place finish in the league. COACH: Karl Balland FINAL RECORD: 9-2-1
1964 – 1965 – The hockey club’s desire for varsity recognition increased with every victory in the 1965 season encouraged by larger student body support at home games. The team was coached by Karl Balland and the club’s captain was senior Jerry Doherty. Goalie Ken Sherry was one of the best in the Finger Lakes Collegiate Hockey League. COACH: Karl Balland FINAL RECORD: 11-3-1
1965 – 1966 – The University of Buffalo Hockey Team opened its 1965-66 season with a new coach and missing four graduated All-League players, but the ice Bulls were still rated among the favorites in the Finger Lakes Collegiate Hockey League. Coach Day Hannah, Sr. lead a core group that included Dan Gorney, Fred Cohen, Day Hannah, Jr., Tom Robertson, Kevin McCullough and Al Dever. COACH: Day Hannah, Sr.
1966 – 1967 – Charles H. “Trey” Coley III joined the program as head coach helping the club win their first Finger Lakes Collegiate Hockey League tournament bid. Born in Buffalo, Trey Coley attended Nichols School, where he was a captain in three sports — football, hockey and baseball. He was a graduate of Colgate University. Lead by captain Al Dever, the Bulls waged a season long battle with Ithaca and R.I.T. for third position in the Finger Lakes Collegiate Hockey League. Sparkling in net was freshman goalie Jim Hamilton who averaged over 40 saves per game and registered a shutout over Syracuse. COACH: “Trey” Coley FINAL RECORD: 7-7-1
1967 – 1968 – Undefeated Regular Season – Lead again by “Trey” Coley, the hockey club team went 15-0 during the regular season and won the Finger Lakes Collegiate Hockey League. The club hosts their first Finger Lakes Collegiate Hockey League Invitation Tournament and lost the title to rival Oswego State 5-4 in overtime. Leading the team was LW Lorne Rombough with 38 goals and 18 assists. COACH: “Trey” Coley FINAL RECORD: 16-1-0
1968 – 1969 – Under the direction of new coach Steve Newman, the hockey Bulls, playing exciting hockey, skated to a 19-5-0 overall record losing the Finger Lakes Collegiate Hockey League Invitation Tournament championship to Canton Tech, 3-2. Leading scorer was left wing Tom Caruso with 22 goals, 21 assists for 41 points. Goalie Mike Dunn turned in a credible season performance with many fantastic saves. COACH: Steve Newman FINAL RECORD: 19-5-0