The Buffalo Sabres found a pregame lift in the hall outside their locker room before Saturday’s home opener against the Chicago Blackhawks at KeyBank Center, where letters from local students had been posted for the players to read.
The notes carried good-luck wishes, player-specific encouragement and the kind of offbeat observations only young fans can deliver. Buffalo shared video of several Sabres stopping to read the messages before taking the ice.
Doan gets a No. 91 message
Josh Doan read a note wishing him and his teammates their best season yet, ending with a tribute to his jersey number: “91 forever.”
Doan called it a nice message as he looked over the letter.
Dahlin learns about a new “Dough-lin”
Sabres captain Rasmus Dahlin received a thank-you letter that took a quick turn from hockey to neighborhood construction and sourdough baking.
The student thanked Dahlin for playing in Buffalo, mentioned that construction was everywhere, and explained that the writer’s mother has a sourdough starter named “Dough-lin.”
Dahlin asked the video producer whether the story was real, then gave the starter his approval, calling it “sick.”
Benson gets a challenge for the season
Zach Benson’s letter came with a particularly ambitious target: 200 goals without taking a single penalty.
The winger welcomed the idea.
“I like that too,” Benson said. “I’m going to try to do that, Cameron.”
