The Buffalo Gay Men's Chorus will perform the Canadian and U.S. national anthems.
At Account Services and guest services stations around the arena, fans can pick up a custom Sabres Pride sticker designed by Matthew Keeler. The Sabres held a contest for fans to submit entries for a custom Pride sticker and Keeler's design was ultimately chosen. The stickers will be available during all games at KeyBank Center starting tonight.
"For me, this is probably a perfect project," Keeler said. "I just felt like I was able to combine passions for both things that I have between being a hockey player and an artist."
Keeler wanted to design something that was tasteful but not too extravagant, combining the color patterns of the Sabres and the Progress Pride Flag.
"The design was created as a way to represent progression and inclusivity," Keeler said. "I wanted to combine the colorways in a way that illustrated a bond between the LGBTQ+ community and the Sabres organization."
Keeler, who has been a hockey fans since he was 4, felt creating the logo would be another step toward making the game feel more inclusive to everyone.
"I constantly go back to the game of hockey and ultimately the growth of the game," he said. "I think our game has room for growth in so many ways. We just need to be a space where people of all kinds feel accepted and included without judgement in our game."
Before the game, fans will be able to purchase pucks as part of an Autographed Puck Surprise in the pavilion with proceeds also to benefit local Pride organizations. Sabres Pride T-shirts and hats will be on sale at The Sabres Store as well.
Fans can also take a photo in the East Wing of the 100 level (near the Lexus Club) in front of a "Let's Go Buffalo" display featuring all the colors of the Progress Pride Flag.
The Sabres have also donated tickets and suites to members of GLYS, Black & Latino Pride, The Pride Center of Western New York, and Niagara Pride.
