50 Facts About Buffalo Sabres

Founding and Early Years

The Buffalo Sabres have a storied history that began in the early 1970s. Let's dive into some key facts about their origins and early years.

1. Founding Year: The Buffalo Sabres were founded in 1970 as an expansion team in the NHL, joining the league along with the Vancouver Canucks.
2. Home Arena: The Sabres play their home games at the KeyBank Center, located in Buffalo, New York. They previously played at the Buffalo Memorial Auditorium from 1970 to 1996.
3. Team Colors: The team colors of the Buffalo Sabres are royal blue, gold, silver, and white.
4. Conference and Division: The Buffalo Sabres compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Division in the Eastern Conference.
5. Ownership: The team is owned by Terry Pegula, who purchased the club in 2011 from Tom Golisano. Terry Pegula is also the owner of the NFL’s Buffalo Bills.

Leadership and Management

The Sabres have had a variety of leaders both on and off the ice. Here are some key figures in the team's management and coaching staff.

6. General Manager: As of the current season, the general manager of the Buffalo Sabres is Kevyn Adams.
7. Head Coach: The head coach of the Buffalo Sabres is Lindy Ruff, who has been associated with the team for several years.
8. Captain: The captain of the Buffalo Sabres is currently vacant, although notable captains in the past include Jack Eichel.
9. Minor League Affiliates: The Sabres have minor league affiliates in the Rochester Americans (AHL) and the Jacksonville Icemen (ECHL).

Achievements and Records

Despite some ups and downs, the Sabres have had their share of notable achievements and records.

10. Stanley Cup History: The Buffalo Sabres have twice advanced to the Stanley Cup Finals but have not yet won the championship. Their appearances were in the 1974-75 and 1998-99 seasons, where they lost to the Philadelphia Flyers and the Dallas Stars, respectively.
11. Hockey Hall of Famers: The Buffalo Sabres have an affiliation with numerous inductees to the Hockey Hall of Fame. These include 13 former players and four builders of the sport. Notable players include Gilbert Perreault, Dominik Hasek, and Pat LaFontaine. Builders recognized include Scotty Bowman, Punch Imlach, Seymour H. Knox III, and Roger Neilson.
12. Foster Hewitt Memorial Award: Three broadcasters for the Buffalo Sabres have been awarded the Foster Hewitt Memorial Award from the Hockey Hall of Fame: Ted Darling in 1994, Rick Jeanneret in 2012, and Harry Neale in 2013.
13. Elmer Ferguson Memorial Award: Four sports writers from publications based in Buffalo and St. Catharines, Ontario, have been awarded the Elmer Ferguson Memorial Award from the Hockey Hall of Fame. Recipients include Charlie Barton (Buffalo Courier-Express) in 1985, Dick Johnston (Buffalo News) in 1986, Jack Gatecliff (St. Catharines Standard) in 1995, and Jim Kelley (Buffalo News) in 2004.
14. Retired Jersey Numbers: The Buffalo Sabres have retired several jersey numbers in honor of former players who made significant contributions to the organization. These include numbers 2 (Tim Horton), 7 (Rick Martin), 11 (Gilbert Perreault), and 18 (Danny Gare).

Fan Culture and Community

The Sabres have a passionate fan base and a strong presence in the Buffalo community.

15. Team Slogan: The team’s official slogan is “One Buffalo,” which promotes unity among the city’s sports teams and fans.
16. Notable Players: Some notable players who have represented the Buffalo Sabres include Gilbert Perreault, Dominik Hasek, Pat LaFontaine, and Ryan Miller. Ryan Miller holds several franchise records, including wins, shutouts, and saves.
17. Fan Base: The Buffalo Sabres have a dedicated and passionate fan base known as the “Sabretooths.” These fans support the team with unwavering loyalty and create an electric atmosphere at home games.
18. Mascot: The team’s official mascot is Sabretooth, a friendly and energetic saber-toothed tiger. Sabretooth was introduced in 1985 and has remained a beloved part of the Sabres’ identity ever since.
19. Goal Song: The team’s official goal song is “Let Me Clear My Throat” by DJ Kool. This upbeat and energetic song is played after the Sabres score a goal.
20. Head Coaches: The Buffalo Sabres have had several head coaches throughout their history. Notable coaches include Lindy Ruff, Ted Nolan, and Phil Housley.
21. Community Presence: The Buffalo Sabres have a strong community presence. The organization is actively involved in various charitable initiatives and community outreach programs, making a positive impact beyond the hockey rink.
22. Obscure Facts: One obscure fact about the Buffalo Sabres is that seven former players have also served as head coaches for the team. This includes Floyd Smith, Billy Inglis, Jim Schoenfeld, Craig Ramsay, Rick Dudley, Lindy Ruff, and Phil Housley.

Memorable Seasons and Players

Certain seasons and players have left an indelible mark on the Sabres' history.

23. Single-Season Records: The Buffalo Sabres set multiple single-season records for goals, assists, and points in the 1992-93 season. This season was marked by outstanding performances from players like Alexander Mogilny and Pat LaFontaine, who combined for a whopping 275 points.
24. Alexander Mogilny’s Record: Alexander Mogilny had a remarkable season in 1992-93, scoring 76 goals and tying for the NHL lead. His assist record of 95 helpers also set a Sabres record, making him a crucial part of the team’s success that year.
25. Pat LaFontaine’s Record: Pat LaFontaine also had an impressive season in 1992-93, setting a Sabres record with 148 points. His contributions alongside Mogilny were instrumental in the team’s playoff run that year.

Media and Coverage

The Sabres enjoy extensive media coverage, keeping fans updated and engaged.

26. Team’s Official Website: The official website of the Buffalo Sabres is www.sabres.com, although the exact URL may change over time.
27. Media Coverage: The Buffalo Sabres are covered by various media outlets, including MSG Western New York and WGR 550. The Sabres Hockey Network also provides extensive coverage of the team’s games and activities.
28. Hockey Hall of Fame Inductees: In addition to players and builders, the Buffalo Sabres have also been recognized for their contributions to hockey journalism. Three broadcasters and four sports writers have been awarded prestigious awards by the Hockey Hall of Fame.

Community Involvement

The Sabres are deeply involved in their community, making a positive impact beyond the rink.

29. Community Involvement: The Buffalo Sabres are actively involved in various community outreach programs. They organize charity events, support local youth hockey initiatives, and engage in other community activities to make a positive impact on the city of Buffalo.
30. Notable Coaches: Notable coaches who have led the Buffalo Sabres include Lindy Ruff, who held the role for 16 years, and Phil Housley, who served for two years. Other notable coaches include Ted Nolan and Don Granato.
31. Sabretooth’s Introduction: Sabretooth, the team’s mascot, was introduced in 1985 and quickly became a fan favorite. Sabretooth is a friendly and energetic saber-toothed tiger who participates in various pre-game and intermission activities.
32. Wayne Gretzky’s Number Retirement: The Buffalo Sabres have retired the number 99 in honor of Wayne Gretzky, widely regarded as the greatest hockey player of all time. Although Gretzky never played for the Sabres, the team recognizes his significant impact on the sport.

Legends and Records

The Sabres have had some legendary players and record-breaking moments.

33. Gilbert Perreault’s Legacy: Gilbert Perreault played his entire career with the Buffalo Sabres and remains one of the most beloved players in franchise history. He was the team’s first-ever draft pick and holds multiple franchise records.
34. Dominik Hasek’s Achievements: Dominik Hasek, a Hall of Fame goaltender, played for the Buffalo Sabres from 1992 to 2001. During his tenure, he set multiple records and won numerous awards, including the Vezina Trophy and the Hart Memorial Trophy.
35. Pat LaFontaine’s Career: Pat LaFontaine played for the Buffalo Sabres from 1987 to 1991. He was a key player during the team’s successful seasons and holds multiple franchise records, including the most points scored in a single season.
36. Ryan Miller’s Records: Ryan Miller holds several franchise records for the Buffalo Sabres, including wins, shutouts, and saves. He played for the team from 2002 to 2014 and was a crucial part of the team’s success during that period.
37. Alexander Mogilny’s Career: Alexander Mogilny played for the Buffalo Sabres from 1992 to 1995. He had a remarkable season in 1992-93, setting multiple records and helping the team reach the playoffs.

Challenges and Triumphs

The Sabres have faced their share of challenges but have also celebrated many triumphs.

38. Team’s Playoff Drought: The Buffalo Sabres have the longest active playoff drought in the NHL and professional sports, at 13 seasons. This drought stands as an NHL record and is a significant challenge for the team and its fans.
39. Conference Championships: Despite not winning a Stanley Cup, the Buffalo Sabres have won three conference championships: in the 1974-75, 1979-80, and 1998-99 seasons.
40. Presidents’ Trophy: The Buffalo Sabres have won one Presidents’ Trophy, which is awarded to the team with the best regular-season record. This achievement came in the 2006-07 season.
41. Division Championships: The Sabres have won six division championships: in the 1974-75, 1979-80, 1980-81, 1996-97, 2006-07, and 2009-10 seasons.

Community Programs and Traditions

The Sabres are known for their community programs and unique traditions.

42. Community Programs: The Buffalo Sabres are involved in various community programs, including the Sabres Foundation, which supports local youth hockey initiatives and other charitable causes. The team also participates in annual charity events and fundraisers.
43. Sabretooth’s Popularity: Sabretooth, the team’s mascot, is extremely popular among fans. Sabretooth participates in pre-game activities, intermission games, and other events to entertain the crowd and promote team spirit.
44. Goal Song Tradition: The team’s official goal song, “Let Me Clear My Throat” by DJ Kool, is a tradition that dates back several years. The song is played after the Sabres score a goal and is a way to celebrate their success with the fans.
45. Notable Retired Numbers: In addition to the numbers 2, 7, 11, and 18, the Buffalo Sabres have also retired the number 99 in honor of Wayne Gretzky. This gesture reflects the team’s respect for Gretzky’s contributions to hockey.

Iconic Players and Moments

Some players and moments have become iconic in Sabres history.

46. Gilbert Perreault’s Draft Pick: Gilbert Perreault was the first-ever draft pick of the Buffalo Sabres in 1970. He played his entire career with the team and remains one of the most beloved players in franchise history.
47. Dominik Hasek’s Awards: Dominik Hasek won numerous awards during his tenure with the Buffalo Sabres, including the Vezina Trophy and the Hart Memorial Trophy. His achievements on the ice helped establish him as one of the greatest goaltenders in NHL history.
48. Pat LaFontaine’s Records: Pat LaFontaine holds multiple franchise records for the Buffalo Sabres, including the most points scored in a single season. His contributions to the team during his playing career were instrumental in their success.
49. Ryan Miller’s Franchise Records: Ryan Miller holds several franchise records for the Buffalo Sabres, including wins, shutouts, and saves. His performances on the ice helped establish him as one of the top goaltenders in the NHL during his playing career.
50. Team’s Legacy: The Buffalo Sabres have a rich legacy in the NHL, with a dedicated fan base and numerous achievements throughout their history. Despite not winning a Stanley Cup, the team continues to captivate fans with their thrilling games and passionate commitment to the sport.

The Legacy of the Buffalo Sabres

The Buffalo Sabres have a storied history filled with memorable moments, dedicated players, and a passionate fan base. Founded in 1970, they've seen highs like conference championships and lows like the longest active playoff drought in the NHL. Key players like Gilbert Perreault, Dominik Hasek, and Ryan Miller have left lasting legacies. The team’s community involvement and iconic mascot, Sabretooth, add to their charm. Despite not winning a Stanley Cup, the Sabres remain a beloved part of Buffalo’s sports culture. Their journey, marked by resilience and dedication, continues to captivate fans. As they strive for future success, the Sabres' rich history and unwavering support from their fans ensure they remain a significant force in the NHL.