HOCKEY
News reporters earn four awards
For the second straight year, The Buffalo News has multiple winners in the Professional Hockey Writers’ Association writing contest. The News’ Sabres reporters earned four awards, the most of any newspaper or Web site, for the 2006-07 season.
Former News reporter Tim Graham was honored three times, including two first-place awards, while beat writer John Vogl earned one second-place accolade, the PHWA announced Monday.
Graham’s story about coach Lindy Ruff and the death of his brother, Brent, earned first place for magazine-style pieces over 2,000 words. Graham’s other top honor came in the personality category for detailing the troubles of Ryan Sittler.
The News took two of the three awards in the enterprise category. Vogl’s story forecasting offer sheets for restricted free agents (particularly Thomas Vanek) won second place, while Graham — who is now at the Palm Beach (Fla.) Post — finished third for his report on the risk of re-signing an injured Tim Connolly.
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