The hunt for Ice Bowl gear

Lindy Ruff said after practice today that the biggest controversy in his house Wednesday morning wasn't about who he used in the Ice Bowl shootout, why the ice wasn't shaved or whether he should revert to the line combinations he entered the game with. Nope. The trouble stemmed from which one of his daughters was going to earn the right to wear his classic varsity Sabres jacket to school. You know, the one he sported behind the bench Tuesday with the old Sabres crest on the breast and back.

"I had to break up a brawl," Ruff joked to reporters after his daily briefing with the media.

The jacket is expected to be a big seller when it hits the Internet and souvenir sales were slated to top $1 million alone in the Ralph on Tuesday. People couldn't seem to get their hands on enough gear but I heard a few complaints, notably about World Series or Super Bowl-like prices and the fact the Sabres' replica jerseys didn't have the neck ties like the Penguins' ones did.

So for those of you who were there, what kind of souvenirs did you go on the hunt for? And was the wallet-busting worth it?

---Mike Harrington

Comments

[James Z Kaisertown]

So how will the Sabres lose again tonight?

Another one or zero goal game?

They should have punted in the Penguins game.

[Heather from Charleston, SC]

You don't seem like the type that would enjoy a girl with her top off (like the rest of the closeted Republicans), Jimmy. Just trying to keep up the front...I understand.

[James Z from Kaisertown]

Heather, I found it very enjoyable when you sang along to God Bless America with your top off.

[Heather from Charleston, SC]

Jimmy, I was AT the game...didn't make it to the arena...and I was actually shocked they didn't cost more, I thought they were pretty reasonable.

This event was NOT put on by the Sabres...it was an NHL event...doesn't anyone remember the guy that traveled to 30 games in 30 nights??? He said HSBC was one of the most reasonable venues he visited!

You always need something to complain about. The only thing that would have made it better was a Sabres win...but if we had to lose, at least it was in a shootout with the winning goal scored by Sidney Crosby. I was completely entertained!

Jimmy...you have nothing good to say about anything...of course you thought the game was boring...I expect nothing less from you. I say to myself..."what's the most rejected thing anyone could say?", then I look at your post and there's the answer to my question! It's amazing.

[Afinogenov's Purse]

At HSBC, the parking ramps and lots were free.

[Glenn W]

Have any of you ever been to a sporting event or concert or amusement park or anything else like that in the last 10 years (or more)? Paying 8 dollars for a beer is pretty common and I'm not sure why anyone expected this event to be any different. Ditto for the souveniers.

I'm surprised you haven't blamed the Sabres on the parking fees yet! I'm sure it was all up to them...Hell, I'm sure it was the Sabres who are also trying to get the thruway tolls increased so that you spend more money just trying to get to the game!

[James Z's Catwoman]

Heather, the same souvenir pucks were selling at the store in the arena for $6, and a program was $10.

I think you got ripped off.

Plus the game sucked anyway.

[Heather from Charleston, SC]

For true fans--it IS about the hockey! For the NHL it's about the business! I went to the game--at the game we bought 4 souvenir pucks...aside from that we bought 4 hot chocolates. The money we spent was on the tickets (we bought 3 pairs of tickets...one pair for us, another pair for my father and stepmom, and another pair for the boyfriend's father and brother) and although it cost a pretty penny...it was totally worth it.

In fact, last night (watching the DVRed NBC broadcast) we came to the conclusion that we would have paid MORE!!! It was amazing.

The pucks came to $60...$15 apiece. I don't think that is too bad, actually. The hot chocolates were only $3 each, I don't see a problem with that at all.

I mean, did you actually think the tickets and merchandise would be cheap??? It's not the sport, that's just how things are...EVERYWHERE. Get over it.

[MCZibrik]

I actually didn't buy any merch. My souvenir will be my ticket, pictures and the memories inside my noggin.

I saw one guy taking signs/placards with the Winter Classic logo (and whatever it sold, like beer...) from several concessions stands.

Insane.

[James Z Kaisertown]

Ha ha, very funny. Instead of attacking the man that tells your the truth. Why don't you attack the real problem? Sabres managnement.

PS It's not a trailer. It's a van down by the river. lol

[Sabre Fan]

I heard James Z from Kaisertown was in the Bills lot collecting cans. Not souvenir cans, but any cans that he could collect the 5 cent deposit on. It appears one of his 16 cats is pregnant (James is the father) and he needs extra money for the vet.

[Johnny Chugger]

I purchased 6 souvenir 24 ounce cups filled with souvenir Labatt Blue Light. Unfortunately, the souvenir beer disappeared during the game. Come to think about it, the cups never left the stadium either after the beer disappeared. At 8 dollars a piece I found them to be a real bargain. Thanks Sabres for the 48 dollar hangover.

[cak]

IA Stan, thanks to Bettman. He's turned the NHL into a circus. But then again you can say that about all of major league sports. The mighty buck.

However, if I were one of Lindy's daughters, I would fight for the jacket too.

[Stan]

When will fans realize it's not about the hockey, it's about the tickets and the merchandise.