The Buffalo Sabres and Columbus Blue Jackets will meet in an exhibition game in Clinton, New York, the Kraft Hockeyville™ USA 2018 winning community, on Tuesday, September 25. The official announcenment was made during Friday night's pregame show on NBCSN.
Clinton, NY is a nine mile drive from Utica, NY.
Clinton was awarded the special preseason game on April 14.
My Spidey senses tell me that Rasmus Dahlin will be in the starting lineup for the Sabres in Clinton, NY. In five weeks, the Sabres will select Dahlin first overall at the 2018 NHL Draft in Dallas.
Per the NHL:
"Our game is built on the foundation of local communities and its continued growth is a testament to the individuals and families who love and support hockey in those communities," said Blue Jackets President of Hockey Operations John Davidson. "Kraft Hockeyville is a wonderful celebration of hockey's grass roots and our club is thrilled to be going to Clinton, New York to play the Buffalo Sabres this September."
Clinton earned its designation as this year's most spirited hockey community in America, $150,000 in rink upgrades and the opportunity to host the NHL matchup after amassing the most votes in the online Kraft Hockeyville USA 2018 contest. Clinton Arena is a staple of the local hockey community. Following a fire in 1949, the arena was rebuilt six years later and has served young hockey players for nearly 70 years. It was listed on the National Historic Register in 2010. While the venue still has many of its original fixtures intact today, the prize money from Kraft Hockeyville™ USA 2018 will be used to improve a number of features, including the arena's roof, locker room and seating.
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