Here we go.
It's 92 degrees, sunny, salubrious and muggy AF in Buffalo today.
Perfect timing for the Buffalo Sabres to announce their 2018 training camp schedule.
Jack Eichel and his Buffalo Sabres teammates will report to training camp on Thursday, September 13, when veteran players are going to be tested and given physical exams.
On Friday, September 14, the pucks will officially be dropped for practice sessions at Harborcenter, which will be open to the public.
Sabres fans will get their first glimpses of first overall pick Rasmus Dahlin, as well as newcomers Jeff Skinner, Conor Sheary, Carter Hutton, Tage Thompson, Patrik Berglund, and Vlad Sobotka. Botterill promised changes and he delivered with a bold statement by saying good day to Ryan O'Reilly, Robin Lehner, Chad Johnson, Jordan Nolan and a few other players.
In April, Sabres head coach Phil Housley told his players to be prepared to battle for their jobs at training camp. Housley's team finished dead last in the NHL standings last season and he promises an aggressive schedule and a hard-working, blue collar training camp.
Housley and Jason Botterill turned over nearly 50% of the roster this summer and in so doing sent a loud message to the vets and newcomers that losing will no longer be tolerated by the Sabres management and ownership.
Houlsey said in April that the Sabres will start their quest for an Eastern Conference playoff berth on the first day of training camp. A fast start will be crucial to the success of the 2018-19 Buffalo sabres. No more excuses.
Thanks, Sabres.com
Buffalo will play their first exhibition game on Monday, September 17, when the Sabres will travel to Columbus. The following night, the Sabres will host the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Interested in checking out Rasmus Dahlin's first week of NHL training camp?
Here is the Week 1 itinerary of events:
Thursday, September 13 Players report for testing and physicals. (Closed to public)
Friday, September 14 Session One: 9:45 – 10:20 a.m. (New Wave Energy Rink) / 10:25 – 11:15 a.m. (KeyBank Rink)
Session Two: 11:45 a.m. – 12:20 p.m. (New Wave Energy Rink) / 12:25 – 1:15 p.m. (KeyBank Rink)
Saturday, Sept. 15 Session One: 9:45 – 10:20 a.m. (New Wave Energy Rink) / 10:25 – 11:15 a.m. (KeyBank Rink)
Session Two: 11:45 a.m. – 12:20 p.m. (New Wave Energy Rink) / 12:25 – 1:15 p.m. (KeyBank Rink)
Sunday, September 16 Practice: 9:45 – 10:15 a.m. (Both rinks) Scrimmage: 10:30 – 11:15 a.m. (KeyBank Rink)