While Montreal stands as the only Canadian team left in the second round of the NHL playoffs, a lot of hockey enthusiasts in St. Catharines, Ont., proudly consider the Buffalo Sabres their home team.
At Kully’s Original Sports Bar located in downtown St. Catharines, fans donning dark blue Sabres hats outnumbered those supporting the Montreal Canadiens during Game 1 of their playoff matchup on Wednesday night.
Bar owner Adrian Kulakowsky mentioned that this is a common scene in this border area where numerous Canadian supporters feel a connection to an American franchise.
“It’s part of the culture here in Niagara – a lot of family and friends on both sides of the border,” he said amid lively conversations and occasional cheers.
As the Sabres gained an early advantage in the first period, half of the patrons jumped up from their seats while disappointed Habs fans nursed their beers. The excitement continued as the Sabres triumphed over the Habs 4-2.
WATCH | There’s ‘not much more important’ than the Canadiens’ NHL playoff run, Carney says:
There’s ‘not much more important’ than the Canadiens’ NHL playoff run, Carney says
The Montreal Canadiens, being the last Canadian team still competing in Stanley Cup playoffs, will start Round 2 against Buffalo Sabres on Wednesday. When asked about their odds, Prime Minister Mark Carney remarked: ‘I look forward to calling the president of the United States and sending him his Habs jersey.’
Mal Romanin noted that Kully’s bar has turned into a hub for Sabres fans to gather, sharing that he arrived half an hour early on Wednesday just to grab a seat.
“I grew up in Thorold and it’s our hometown team,” he said referring to his community near St. Catharines.
Romanin, who previously worked as a communications director for Toronto Blue Jays, explained that his family held season tickets for Buffalo Sabres for many years. “It’s kind of a local team – it was easy to access from this area of Niagara Region.”
Crowd support for the Sabres during these playoffs isn’t un-Canadian according to him.
“I don’t think hockey at an NHL level is about being nationalistic. It’s about your local team and who you cheer for.”
Sitting at another table were Carol Taylor along with her daughter Shelley Brevitt and granddaughter Kailey Brevitt; they expressed how they have been lifelong supporters of Buffalo Sabres and often attend games across the border.
Shelley Brevitt reminisced about waiting in line with her mom for tickets back in the early ’80s.
“You have three generations here of Buffalo Sabres fans that are proud Canadians,” she stated. “Yes we have [the Toronto Maple Leafs], but it’s always been easier for us to go watch games in Buffalo.”
Before Game 1 began, Kulakowsky shared that there’s been “a party atmosphere” when fans come together to watch playoff games. He mentioned it’s been over ten years since Sabres made it into playoffs again which has everyone excited.
“There’s a huge fan base here,” Kulakowsky added.
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There’s ‘not much more important’ than the Canadiens’ NHL playoff run, Carney says
The Montreal Canadiens, being the last Canadian team still competing in Stanley Cup playoffs, will start Round 2 against Buffalo Sabres on Wednesday. When asked about their odds, Prime Minister Mark Carney remarked: ‘I look forward to calling the president of the United States and sending him his Habs jersey.’
Mal Romanin noted that Kully’s bar has turned into a hub for Sabres fans to gather, sharing that he arrived half an hour early on Wednesday just to grab a seat.
“I grew up in Thorold and it’s our hometown team,” he said referring to his community near St. Catharines.
Romanin, who previously worked as a communications director for Toronto Blue Jays, explained that his family held season tickets for Buffalo Sabres for many years. “It’s kind of a local team – it was easy to access from this area of Niagara Region.”
Crowd support for the Sabres during these playoffs isn’t un-Canadian according to him.
“I don’t think hockey at an NHL level is about being nationalistic. It’s about your local team and who you cheer for.”
Sitting at another table were Carol Taylor along with her daughter Shelley Brevitt and granddaughter Kailey Brevitt; they expressed how they have been lifelong supporters of Buffalo Sabres and often attend games across the border.
Shelley Brevitt reminisced about waiting in line with her mom for tickets back in the early ’80s.
“You have three generations here of Buffalo Sabres fans that are proud Canadians,” she stated. “Yes we have [the Toronto Maple Leafs], but it’s always been easier for us to go watch games in Buffalo.”
Before Game 1 began, Kulakowsky shared that there’s been “a party atmosphere” when fans come together to watch playoff games. He mentioned it’s been over ten years since Sabres made it into playoffs again which has everyone excited.
“There’s a huge fan base here,” Kulakowsky added.
Niagara Falls Shines with Both Teams’ Colors
Kevin Townsend, a city councillor, pointed out there’s an established tradition among Niagara Region fans cheering for Buffalo teams. He noted how historically, training camps used to take place in St. Catharines and significant playoff runs created lifelong supporters over time. “If you go watch any games at local restaurants around here you’ll see plenty of folks wearing Sabre jerseys,” he explained. Even though there are some tensions between Canada and America due to trade issues currently ongoing, Townsend emphasized there’s still “a lifelong friendship” between people from Upstate New York and residents from Niagara Region. “Politics should never interfere with friendships like those. Friendships should last forever,” he remarked. This sense of camaraderie was also showcased at Niagara Falls on both sides; photos shared by Niagara Parks depicted Horseshoe Falls lit up red, white and blue honoring Habs while American side glowed blue and gold representing Sabres.Source link
