NHL Heritage Classic against Maple Leafs will be special for Sabres GM

HAMILTON, Ontario -- Kevyn Adams looked out at the rink being built at Tim Hortons Field on Wednesday and was reminded of his roots playing hockey in the raw elements as a kid in western New York.

The Buffalo Sabres general manager, who didn't play an outdoor game during his 10 NHL seasons (1997-2008), said he is looking forward to the 2022 Tim Hortons Heritage Classic between his team and the Toronto Maple Leafs here March 13 (4 p.m. ET; TNT, SN, TVAS, NHL LIVE).
"I mean, honestly, it's going to be an unbelievable experience," Adams said. "Every single player you asked would say they'd love the chance to play in an outdoor game. Even if they played in one before, they'd say they'd love to do it again. And part of it is because you do step back and remember why you play the game.
"All of us grew up playing outside and, you know, for me in Buffalo growing up it was about playing on the pond in the backyard and having your toes frozen and seeing your breath. I mean, you fell in love with the game doing those things, and I think no matter what, it takes you back to that part of your childhood and the love of the game.
"Our players will be excited for sure."
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So will the fans, especially with the proximity of Tim Hortons Field to both cities. The stadium, which will have a capacity of about 24,000 for the game, is about 40 miles from Scotiabank Arena, home of the Maple Leafs, and about 60 miles from KeyBank Center, where the Sabres play.
Adams said he expects plenty of Buffalo supporters to make the trip to witness the latest chapter in the Sabres-Maple Leafs rivalry, one he's very familiar with dating back to his playing days.
Adams scored 136 points (59 goals, 77 assists) in 540 NHL games for the Maple Leafs, Columbus Blue Jackets, Florida Panthers, Carolina Hurricanes, Phoenix Coyotes and Chicago Blackhawks. During the forward's three seasons with Toronto (1997-2000), he played in the 1999 Eastern Conference Final, won by Buffalo in five games. It is the only Stanley Cup Playoff series between the two teams.
"I can give you a little personal perspective," Adams said before the Sabres won 5-1 at the Maple Leafs. "Playing in that series when I was with the Leafs, going back and forth between the two cities on [Queen Elizabeth Way], it was so memorable. I remember being in the hotel in Buffalo and the fans chanting outside. It was incredible. So there's a natural rivalry between these teams, especially geographically, for obvious reasons.
"Anytime these two teams play each other it's an exciting atmosphere, whether it's Toronto, Buffalo or Hamilton. It'll be fun. You've never got the chance to get this experience. It's technically our home game, and I think you'll see plenty of Sabres jerseys in the stands."
The Heritage Classic will be the 35th NHL outdoor game, all since 2003. It will be the fourth for Toronto and third for Buffalo.
The Sabres will be playing outdoors for the first time since Adams took over as GM on June 16, 2020. Their last outdoor game was the 2018 NHL Winter Classic against the New York Rangers at Citi Field in New York.
Adams was in Hamilton to promote the event with NHL senior vice president of hockey operations Kris King. The two were linemates briefly with the Maple Leafs and joked about their time together.
"'Kinger' actually assisted on my first NHL goal (Jan. 3, 2000, against the Sabres). I think I remember how hard he hit me during the celebration more than I did the goal," Adams said with a laugh.
Another topic Adams and King each discussed is the potential for windy conditions at the Heritage Classic because the stadium, home to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the Canadian Football League, is open behind each end zone. Temporary bleachers are being constructed at one end.
"If the wind is prevalent in a certain direction, each team would get one end in one of the first two periods, then they'll change ends midway through the third," King said. "If it goes into overtime, the horn will go off halfway through the overtime period and the teams will switch ends at that point too."
Adams joked that he might have to consult Buffalo Bills coach Sean McDermott and GM Brandon Beane on how the NFL team deals with breezy conditions at Highmark Stadium.
"While standing here today, I was told it's not windy, and it's windy," Adams said with a laugh. "So I think I should have that conversation. I will. I will talk to Brandon and Sean on the drive tonight.
"I'll check in with them for sure."