The Buffalo Sabres on Monday announced the team will host "Hockey is for Everyone" Night on Tuesday, Feb. 6, at KeyBank Center, when the Sabres host the Anaheim Ducks at 7 p.m. February is the NHL's annual "Hockey is for Everyone" month, which promotes the inclusion of players, coaches and fans of every race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, and those with disabilities.
"The Sabres are proud to partner with the NHL during 'Hockey is for Everyone' month again this season," Sabres Vice President of Community Relations Rich Jureller said. "This game and this month help to highlight our own organizational initiatives and we're thrilled to support and promote programs throughout Western New York that embody the 'Hockey is for Everyone' values."
There will be several activities taking place throughout the night, including the You Can Play Project, which advocates for the inclusion, acceptance and respect of LGBTQ athletes in sports. Players will use pride tape on their sticks during pregame warm-ups in support of the evening. There will also be Sabres pride T-shirts and hats on sale in the Sabres Store and the Pride Center of WNY and Gay and Lesbian Youth Services will have informational tables on the 100 level.
The team, as well as Sabres players Ryan O'Reilly and Zach Bogosian, will host groups that represent the "Hockey is for Everyone" philosophy, including Hasek's Heroes, Buffalo Sabres Thunder Special Hockey Team, SABAH, Seneca Nation Cattaraugus Community Center, Buffalo Beauts, Buffalo Niagara Deaf Events, Gay and Lesbian Youth Services, Pride Center of WNY, Buffalo Sabres Warriors Stand Up and Sled Hockey Teams, and The Summit Center.
Representatives from select groups will be on the ice for a special pregame ceremony, and Hasek's Heroes will participate in the first intermission shootout. Additionally, Amy Heider Julius will perform the National Anthem in American Sign Language.
Sabres alumni, and current Buffalo Beauts coaches Ric Seiling and Craig Muni will sign autographs on the 100 level along with Beauts players Corinne Buie, Kaylyn Schroka and Sarah Shureb from 6 to 7 p.m.
KeyBank Center will also be unveiling sensory kits at guest service stations that will be available for the rest of the season. Life is Washable Inc. provided the Friendly Access Sensory Safety Kits that are meant to support individuals of all ages with sensory needs (i.e. autism, neurological impairment, PTSD, dementia, etc.) as they enjoy a game.
As part of the "Hockey is for Everyone" initiative, the Buffalo Sabres Foundation has hosted clinics, practices and open skates with the Seneca Nation Cattaraugus Community Center, Buffalo Sabres Thunder Special Hockey Team and SABAH, with current and past Sabres players in attendance.
