'Sabres Skills Challenge' presented by New Era Cap set for Jan. 5

The Buffalo Sabres announced plans for the second annual “Sabres Skills Challenge” presented by New Era Cap, on Sunday, Jan. 5, 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 five different competitions:

• Hardest shot presented by Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort
• Accuracy showdown presented by KeyBank
• Puck control relay presented by BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York
• Power play challenge presented by Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center
• Shootout challenge presented by New Era Cap
• Passing challenge presented by LECOM

“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. The jerseys will be auctioned off after the event at www.Sabres.com/Auctions. All proceeds from the auction will benefit the Buffalo Sabres Foundation.

Prior to the start of the skills challenge, the Sabres will host 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 a.m. for the autograph session.

Tickets are available for $10 and can be purchased starting Tuesday, Dec. 3, at Sabres.com/SkillsChallenge. My One Buffalo mobile app members will receive a presale notification on Monday, Dec. 2, offering the chance to buy tickets before they are available to the general public.

Sabres season ticketholders will receive an email with a presale code to purchase tickets beginning Dec. 2 at a discounted rate of $5.

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.

The Buffalo Sabres Foundation mission statement reads: “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.”