Bill Hoppe - Buffalo Hockey Beat

In Vaclav Prospal, Jiri Kulich has special mentor as he fights to make Sabres

BUFFALO – When Vaclav “Vinny” Prospal learned Sabres prospect Jiri Kulich trains in his hometown in Czechia during the summer, he headed to the local rink in Ceske Budejovice to introduce himself.

Prospal, one of the Rochester Americans’ new assistant coaches, ran into some of his former teammates, so he invited Kulich to his house for lunch to chat.

Having coached against Kulich and followed hockey closely, Prospal knew about the youngster’s lethal shot – ... Read the full article

After strong season, Sabres prospect Isak Rosen ready for recall to Buffalo

BUFFALO – Isak Rosen said he needed to experience a season like last year, his first in North America. The Sabres prospect showcased durability, playing a whopping 99 total games over a dizzying 10-month stretch.

A year earlier in his native Sweden, he suffered a season-ending hand injury, and he played just 39 times. Staying healthy in 2022-23 allowed him to display consistent development throughout a campaign in which he played in two World Junior ... Read the full article

Sabres prospect Matt Savoie poised to stick in Buffalo: ‘That’s my goal’

BUFFALO – Sabres prospect Matt Savoie paused for a moment and collected his thoughts before he answered the question.

Savoie, 19, has established himself as a dominant junior star over the past two seasons, scoring 92 goals and a whopping 226 points in 156 total games, including the playoffs.

Clearly, the center’s ready for pro hockey. But the Canadian Hockey League’s agreement with the NHL prohibits him from playing in the AHL this season. He ... Read the full article

Sabres’ 2023 Prospects Challenge roster features five first-round picks

Five first-round picks, including forwards Jiri Kulich and Matt Savoie, are among the 25 youngsters listed on the Buffalo Sabres’ roster for the upcoming Prospects Challenge rookie tournament.

Kulich and Savoie, two of the Sabres’ three first-round selections in 2022, are expected to compete for NHL spots during training camp.

The roster, released Tuesday, also features three other first-round picks: wingers Zach Benson and Isak Rosen and defenseman Ryan Johnson.... Read the full article

Watch: Sabres prospect Zach Benson scores hat trick

A day ago, we showed you Zach Benson’s sizzling preseason goal for the Wenatchee Wild.

What did the slick Buffalo Sabres prospect do for an encore Sunday? Well, he scored three times, including the overtime winner, in Wenatchee’s 4-3 exhibition victory over the Everett Silvertips.

Check out the winger’s hat trick below.

... Read the full article

Watch: Sabres prospect Zach Benson scores highlight-reel goal

Later this week, all eyes will be on Buffalo Sabres prospect Zach Benson at the Prospects Challenge at LECOM Harborcenter.

Benson, 18, will likely earn first- or second-line duty during the rookie tournament games and a long look from the Sabres during training camp.

On Saturday, the winger showcased the dynamic skills that made him the 13th overall pick this year. Check out the electrifying goal he scored in the Wenatchee Wild’s first home preseason ... Read the full article

When you can watch the Sabres in the ‘Goathead’ jersey this season

When the Buffalo Sabres brought back their popular “Goathead” jersey for 12 home games last season, the black and red motif brought them some extra jam.

The Sabres registered a gaudy 10-1-1 record in their alternate uniform, recording five or more goals in nine contests and outscoring opponents 58-36. In the rest of their games at KeyBank Center, they compiled a dismal 7-19-3 mark.

So why not sport the “Goathead” more often? In the 2023-24 ... Read the full article

When you can watch the Sabres on national TV during the 2023-24 season

The Buffalo Sabres will be appearing on 15 national television broadcasts during the upcoming season, the NHL announced Wednesday.

The schedule breaks down as follows: seven games on TNT (five exclusive, two available on MSG in Buffalo market); six on ESPN+/Hulu (subscription streaming); one on ABC; one on ESPN.

The complete schedule:... Read the full article

Terry Pegula dissolves PSE, names himself president of Sabres

The Buffalo Sabres and Bills are no longer united through Pegula Sports and Entertainment.

Owner Terry Pegula on Monday dissolved PSE and named himself president of the Sabres.

The Sabres and Bills had shared resources and operated under the “One Buffalo” umbrella since Pegula purchased the NFL franchise in 2014.

“We are thankful for the work and effort so many individuals have put into PSE over the years, but feel it is the right time ... Read the full article

Sabres celebrate life of Rick Jeanneret: ‘Greatest artist I have ever known’

BUFFALO – No one, Rebecca Way said, believes her story of Sabres fandom.

Growing up in Pittsburgh, she rooted for the Penguins. When they lost in the playoffs in 2007, she said she “bandwagoned” for the Sabres. She quickly fell in love with them, in part, through legendary play-by-play man’s Rick Jeanneret’s colorful broadcasting.

Way said Jeanneret, who died August 17 of multi-organ failure at 81, “made me feel like I was a part ... Read the full article