‘Executive sources say the Sabres’ business practices have improved under Brandon, who brought an NFL mentality to what Mario Lemieux once called “a garage league.” A mix of executives from football and hockey — COO Bruce Popko, Frank Cravotta (creative services), Chuck LaMattina (finance), Erica Muhleman (business development), Mark Preisler (media and content), Brent Rossi (marketing) — have represented WNY well.’