Prior to Monday’s contest against the Anaheim Ducks, a press conference was held to announce an exciting event coming to Buffalo. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman made it official and said the 2016 NHL Entry Draft will be coming to the First Niagara Center on June 24th and 25th, 2016.
“Awarding the 2016 National Hockey League Draft to Buffalo honors the passion of its fans for our sport and reflects the commitment of Terry and Kim Pegula to the Sabres and to Buffalo,” Commissioner Gary Bettman said. “We are delighted our fans will have the opportunity to welcome the incoming class of outstanding players at First Niagara Center, which is one of the hockey world’s top event destinations.”
It’s the first time the draft will be in Buffalo since 1998. Bettman and Ted Black also welcomed the idea of Buffalo hosting an All-Star Game, as well as an outdoor game in the future.
“This is yet another proud day for our organization and Western New York,” said Sabres president Ted Black. “The NHL Draft represents the league’s bright future and no place has a brighter hockey future than Buffalo. We’re eager to work with the NHL to showcase its next generation of players and provide a first-class venue for one of the hockey world’s premier events.”