The Buffalo Sabres will announce plans for an “Alumni Plaza” during a news conference at noon Thursday.
It has long been rumored the Sabres have had plans to erect statues of former players, including the French Connection and other players who have their numbers in the rafters at the First Niagara Center.
Sabres Vice President of Public and Community Relations Mike Gilbert said the team would have no comment until the news conference.
Sabres owner Terry Pegula has openly expressed his admiration for the French Connection. He cried after meeting former Sabre greats during his introductory news conference in February 2011 and told Gilbert Perreault, “You're my hero.” Pegula also hosted a community memorial service in the arena for Martin when died in March that year.
Fans can see the team Thursday night as the Blue-Gold scrimmage wraps up the Sabres’ week-long development camp. Prospects will play three 20-minute periods with a shootout to follow and penalty shots will replace man-advantages. Doors open at 5:30 ahead of the 6 p.m. start; cost is $10.
---Nick Veronica
Twitter: @NickVeronica
