The Sabres' practice in Ralph Wilson Stadium is under way and it was quite a sight to see the players and staff bundled up in the cold and flurries. Thomas Vanek appeared to be the most bundled of all (isn't he an Austrian who played college in Minnesota?). The Sabres took the ice in their throwback jerseys to get acclimated to the rink and take an official team picture around the Winter Classic logo. Then the players changed into their practice sweaters.
The throwbacks, however, gave away one of Lindy Ruff's big secrets of the day -- Jaroslav Spacek has been named the team's January captain, replacing defense partner Brian Campbell. Jochen Hecht and Jason Pominville have been named assistants.
Spacek has been one of the team's biggest surprises this season and has stepped into a major role after being buried during last year's playoffs. Now he's going to be the Buffalo captain for the most-attended game in NHL history.
Good call by Ruff?
---Mike Harrington
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Winter Classic
