Sabres Skills Challenge presented by New Era Cap set for January 5, 2020

The Buffalo Sabres today announced plans for the second annual Sabres Skills Challenge presented by New Era Cap on Sunday, Jan. 5, 2020 at KeyBank Center.
Current Sabres players will be divided into two teams to compete against each other in an All-Star style event designed for fans of all ages. Net proceeds from the event will benefit the Buffalo Sabres Foundation.

The teams will participate in six different competitions, and the winners of each event will be awarded a goal for their team in the overall score:
Puck Control Relay presented by BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York
Three players from each team will compete in a relay race through pylons for one goal, and then a 1-on-1 race will commence for a second goal.
Hardest Shot presented by Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort
Four players from each team will compete, with one team goal being awarded for the fastest average speed and another goal awarded for the best individual speed.
Accuracy Showdown presented by KeyBank
Three shooters from each team will take aim in this challenge. The team with the most targets hit in the fewest attempts will be awarded one goal while the best individual effort will earn one team another goal.
One-Timer Challenge presented by LECOM
Three goals are up for grabs after three rounds of play in a new event this year. The player with the most goals during each head-to-head matchup will earn one goal for his team.
Power Play Challenge presented by Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center
Two groups of three forwards each will have 30 seconds to score as many goals as possible. All goals will count toward the overall score.
Shootout Challenge presented by New Era Cap
How will the players fare in a breakaway challenge? All goals will count toward the overall score.
Stay tuned to find out who will compete in each event.
Tickets will be available for $10 are on sale now.
"The team had a great time at last year's Skills Challenge, and we're excited to face off against each other again this year," Sabres captain Jack Eichel said. "We're all pretty competitive guys, so we're looking forward to showing off our skills in front of some of the best fans in the league."

As part of the Sabres' Golden Season celebration, players will be dressed in custom jerseys in recognition of the 1978 NHL All-Star Game that was held in Buffalo.
In that game, the Wales Conference defeated the Campbell Conference 3-2 in overtime. Sabres forward Rick Martin scored the game-tying goal with 1:39 remaining in regulation, and then Gilbert Perreault netted the winner with 1:05 left in overtime.
The Wales Conference will wear white jerseys while the Campbell Conference will wear orange.
The jerseys will be auctioned off after the event at Sabres.com/Auctions. All proceeds from the auction will benefit the Buffalo Sabres Foundation.
Here are the rosters for the event, which were announced on Dec. 20:
Wales Conference

Forwards
Jack Eichel
Zemgus Girgensons
Marcus Johansson
Johan Larsson
Evan Rodrigues
Conor Sheary

Defense
Henri Jokiharju
Brandon Montour
Rasmus Ristolainen
Marco Scandella

Goaltender
Linus Ullmark
Campbell Conference

Forwards
Rasmus Asplund
Kyle Okposo
Victor Olofsson
Sam Reinhart
Jeff Skinner
Jimmy Vesey

Defense
Zach Bogosian
Rasmus Dahlin
Jake McCabe
Colin Miller

Goaltender
Carter Hutton
Rosters are subject to change.
Prior to the start of the Skills Challenge, the Sabres will be hosting an autograph session featuring Sabres alumni presented by MSG Networks beginning at 9:30 a.m. Fans will be given a ticket to one autograph table, to which alumni will be assigned randomly. There will be a 200-ticket limit per table and autographs will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Doors will open at 9:00 a.m. for the autograph session.
The following Sabres alumni are scheduled to attend the autograph session:
Donald Audette
Matthew Barnaby
Stu Barnes
Doug Bodger
Dave Hannan
Grant Ledyard
Clint Malarchuk
Craig Muni
Michael Peca
Derek Plante
Wayne Primeau
Darryl Shannon
Richard Smehlik
Pierre Turgeon
Rick Vaive
Dixon Ward
Rhett Warrener
Mike Wilson
Jason Woolley
Alumni appearances are subject to change
Select concessions can be purchased at discounted prices and free parking will be available at the KeyBank Center parking ramp and the surface lot on Perry Street between Mississippi and Columbia streets.
Buffalo Sabres Foundation Mission Statement
To identify and support local organizations which share our core objectives: serving children and military personnel, caring for the sick, assisting physically and mentally challenged athletes, and supporting youth hockey initiatives. By utilizing financial resources and community influence, the Buffalo Sabres Foundation assists these organizations and their beneficiaries in realizing their highest potential and succeeding in their endeavors.