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What Swados meant to Buffalo

November 24, 2012, 8:33 AM ET [6 Comments]
Kevin Freiheit
Buffalo Sabres Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
An important part of the Buffalo Sabres franchise is no longer with us. Robert Swados, 93, passed away Friday morning.

His name is not as common as Golisano or Pegula, but he's a big reason why Buffalo even has a team.

Here's a clip from a story that has been published on Sabres Hockey Central:

Swados’ best work, however, happened behind the scenes. For example, when Alexander Mogilny defected from the then-Soviet Union to join the Sabres in 1989, he traveled with then-Sabres scouting director Don Luce and helped to devise the plan for Mogilny to leave Russia. He also was heavily involved with the building of the First Niagara Center and with the process of navigating the franchise through bankruptcy in 2002-03.

Quite simply, if it wasn’t for Swados, Western New York may not have an NHL team today. -Tony Fiorello

"Bob Swados was one of the founding members of the Buffalo Sabres ownership group 42 years ago. He was an integral part of the Knox brothers’ successful acquisition of the franchise and was an important member of the front office for over 30 years. He was still involved with the organization, serving as the president of the Buffalo Sabres Hall of Fame. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Swados family.” -Terry Pegula


You can read the rest on the site.


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On this day in 2007, the Sabres defeated the Canadiens. Here are the highlights:
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