HARBORcenter announces new additions

Heins, Gahagen join HARBORcenter team

HARBORcenter president John Koelmel today announced the additions of Don Heins and Taylor Gahagen to the staff. Heins assumes the role of communications manager, while Gahagen will be the digital and promotions coordinator. 

"We are very excited to add Don and Taylor to our team," Koelmel said. "Both are passionate about hockey, volunteer as youth hockey coaches, and bring energy to our public relations and marketing team. They will aid in our goal of developing HARBORcenter into a destination where hockey thrives at all levels."

Heins joins the HARBORcenter after spending three years as the weekend sports anchor at YNN, and previously served as the sports director at Time Warner Cable 8 News in Jamestown. 

Gahagen recently obtained his MBA in marketing from Canisius College. The Williamsville native is a 2011 graduate of Fredonia State, and an alumnus of Williamsville North High School. 

"The Buffalo Sabres and the game of hockey have been an amazing part of my life," Gahagen said. "As a result, I am extremely excited and grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the development and success of the organization, game and community through HARBORcenter."

Heins concurs. "I have been heavily interested in the development of downtown Buffalo since my high school days," said the 2001 St. Joe's Collegiate Institute graduate. "It is an absolute dream come true to be selected to play a part in the project that will be the catalyst in the revitalization of our area."

HARBORcenter will feature two new, NHL-size ice rinks that will be open for community use in addition to a hockey-themed, upscale restaurant and bar, a full-service Marriott hotel, additional retail space and a 750-space parking structure.

The facility, to be located in Buffalo's Canalside District, will be directly connected to First Niagara Center. The combined structure will be the only three-pad ice complex in the NHL. Additionally, the structure will be home to the HARBORcenter Academy of Hockey, which will be designed to help grow and develop hockey players and coaches.