While Montreal is the only Canadian team left in the second round of the NHL playoffs, for many fans in St. Catharines, Ont., the Buffalo Sabres hold a special place as their home team.
At Kully’s Original Sports Bar located in downtown St. Catharines, supporters sporting dark blue Sabres caps were more numerous than those backing the Montreal Canadiens during Game 1 of their playoff series on Wednesday night.
Bar owner Adrian Kulakowsky remarked that this scene is typical in this border area, where many Canadians feel connected to an American team.
“It’s part of the culture here in Niagara – a lot of family and friends on both sides of the border,” he said amidst the lively atmosphere filled with chatter and cheers.
As the Sabres jumped ahead early in the first period, half of the tables erupted with excitement while disappointed Habs fans nursed their beers. The celebration continued as the Sabres secured a 4-2 victory over Montreal.
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Mal Romanin shared that Kully’s bar has become a gathering spot for Sabres enthusiasts, and he arrived half an hour early on Wednesday to grab a good seat.
“I grew up in Thorold and it’s our hometown team,” he said about his community near St. Catharines.
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Get daily Canada news delivered to your inbox so you’ll never miss the day’s top stories. Romanin, who once worked as a communications director for the Toronto Blue Jays, mentioned that his family had season tickets for Buffalo Sabres games for decades. “It’s kind of a local team – it was easy to access from this area of Niagara Region.” Pulling for the Sabres during these playoffs doesn’t make him any less Canadian, he added. “I don’t think hockey, at the NHL level, is about being nationalistic. It’s about your local team and who you cheer for.” Sitting at another table were Carol Taylor, her daughter Shelley Brevitt, and granddaughter Kailey Brevitt; they proudly declared themselves lifelong supporters of the Sabres who often catch games in Buffalo. Shelley recalled waiting in line with her mom for tickets back in the early 1980s. “You have three generations here of Buffalo Sabres fans that are proud Canadians,” she noted. “Yes we have (the Toronto Maple Leafs), but for us it was always easier to go to Buffalo.” The bar owner commented before Game 1 that it’s been “a party atmosphere” when fans come out to watch playoff games. He noted it’s been over ten years since the Sabres made it into playoffs, which has certainly stirred up excitement around town. More on Sports More videos Story continues below “There’s a huge fan base here,” Kulakowsky stated. “Obviously given that drought, there’s been a lot of pent-up excitement from many local fans.” Kevin Townsend, a city councillor, pointed out there’s been longstanding support from Niagara Region fans towards Buffalo teams. He explained that historically, training camps were held by the Sabres right in St. Catharines and significant playoff runs through past decades helped create lifelong supporters. If you visit any local restaurants during game time … you’ll see plenty of people wearing Sabre jerseys,” he said. Evidently even amid U. S.-Canada trade tensions, Townsend emphasized there exists a “lifelong friendship” between Upstate New Yorkers and residents from Niagara Region. “Politics should never get in the way of that friendship. Friendships should last for life,” he expressed. Townsend recalled last week’s match between the Sabres and Boston Bruins where despite technical issues with microphones failing during O Canada being sung by fans illustrates how much respect Upstate New Yorkers have towards Canadians; likewise Canadians support Buffalo as well,” he stated further. This camaraderie was mirrored by events at Niagara Falls on both sides: recently Niagara Parks shared images showing Horseshoe Falls lit up red white and blue representing Habs colors while its American counterpart glowed blue and gold showcasing support for those cheering on against them. © 2026 The Canadian PressSource link
