The Buffalo Sabres have slogged through a season they will best remember as a transition year. But they will share a fond memory when they take the ice for the Heritage Classic.
On Sunday, March 13th the Buffalo Sabres will face off with the Toronto Maple Leafs at Tim Hortons Field in Hamilton, Ontario. Thousands will attend the game and millions from both the US and Canada will watch at home.
We’re only treated to outdoor hocky a few times per year, so the Heritage Classic is more than a game to the Sabres. It’s an event. Sure, it’ll be great to win. But regardless of the outcome, it’s something every single player, coach, and fan can look back fondly on.
The Heritage Classic is more than a game to the Buffalo Sabres
Head coach Don Granato likened the upcoming experience to, “the feel of being a kid.” In his statement, Granato also said:
"“The ice sounds like you’re on outdoor ice. Everything about it feels outdoors. From the clothes you wear, a little more turtleneck and you bundle up, and the way you sweat and the way you feel when you sweat, it’s amazing. It’s an amazing experience. It brings you back.”"
It’s clear Granato can’t wait to take part in the festivities. But he’s not the only one raring to go in this grudge match with the Maple Leafs in front of two national audiences.
Rasmus Dahlin, who grew up in Sweden, is more than hyped about playing outdoor hockey. The Nordic nation sandwiched between Norway and Finland, is known for its natural scenic beauty and long winters. Especially the further north you go. Naturally, Dahlin spent a lot of time skating outdoors.
Of course, it should surprise no one that Dahlin is most looking forward to simply “walking to the ice” and skating outside. Though he acknowledged the larger number of fans slated to be in attendance.
Buffalo Sabres will share the event with family
Following Saturday’s practice, players can invite their families for an afternoon skate. Center Tage Thompson is seeking to take full advantage of the event, citing it’s something few NHL players will experience, let alone their families. Here is Thompson’s take:
"“It’s just going to be a really cool experience for everyone involved. Something not many people get to do. So I’m just trying to take it all in, enjoy the experience.”"
While the Heritage Classic is a fun and unique experience for everyone involved in the Sabres organization, winning remains the primary focus. They shocked the NHL landscape on March 2nd with a blowout win over the Maple Leafs. And it’s clear lightning may not strike twice.
The Sabres know the Leafs will be ready and agitated. Especially following a 5-4 overtime loss to the Arizona Coyotes. While the Sabres are coming off their own upset win in a revenge game against the Vegas Golden Knights, they will expect a motivated Maple Leafs team fighting to stay alive in the playoff race.
The puck drops at 4:00pm on TNT in the US and on Sportsnet and TVA Sports in Canada. The game will also honor the 2022 Canadian Olympic Women’s Hockey Team during the second intermission.