WKBW

‘With NHL free agency lurking the Buffalo Sabres front office had a busy Wednesday, extending qualifying offers to six different players.’

‘The Sabres open up play on September 16th and play three games on the road before hitting the KeyBank Center ice.’

‘All on-ice sessions are free and open to the public but is a first-come, first-served basis so admission is not guaranteed. The 3-on-3 tournament will need a ticket for entry. Tickets will be limited and distributed to season ticket holders on a first-come, first-serve basis.’

‘Yet despite the significant price tag that comes with Skinner’s new deal, I think it was a smart move for the Sabres. Quite frankly, it was the only move for the Sabres…and that’s okay because it makes sense for both sides.’

‘The new head coach and Skinner shared a lengthy conversation over the phone shortly after Krueger was hired by the Sabres. Throughout the course of the conversation, Krueger said Skinner focused on the future and never took the talks in a different direction.’

‘”We looked to take the Sabres crest and use its main design feature in the 50th patch,” said the executive vice president of creative services Frank Cravotta. “While the scale of some of those elements have changed, we like that it feels like an extension of our identity.”‘

‘The Czech Pilsner will go on sale Thursday May 23rd and a portion of the proceeds will benefit Hasek’s Heros. This non-profit organization was started in 2001 by Hasek with a mission to help Western New York children in need have the chance to play hockey.’

‘Krueger, 59, has NHL head coaching experience, spending half a season with the Edmonton Oilers in 2012-2013. In 48 games as the Oilers head coach, Krueger finished with a 19-22-7 record. Krueger also served as the head coach for Team Europe in the 2016 World Cup of Hockey.’

‘“I watched two NHL playoff games and I changed bars every period so I didn’t stay too long,” Krueger said with a laugh. “It was quite interesting. I’d sit beside Sabres fans and had conversations I won’t be able to have now. But it was very enlightening. I could certainly feel the spirit of the city.”’

‘A native of Winnipeg, Krueger played professionally in Germany and has also coached in Switzerland.’