Marek Zagrapan (Photo: Brian Wheeler)

The Buffalo Sabres today announced they will officially open Training Camp for the 2008-09 NHL season on Friday, September 19 at 9 a.m. when veterans report for physicals at HSBC Arena.  A total of 57 players are currently scheduled to attend this year’s camp -- 32 forwards, 19 defensemen and 6 goaltenders.

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2008 Training Camp Roster

The entire group will hit the ice for their first full practice on Saturday, September 20 at HSBC Arena, as part of the day-long “PuckDrop ‘08” festivities. The highlight of the day will be a scrimmage at 10 a.m., followed immediately by the unveiling of the team’s new third jersey. Admission and HSBC Arena ramp parking are both free that day.

Buffalo will begin their seven-game pre-season schedule on Monday in Toronto, before heading to Roberval, Quebec, on Tuesday to face the Montreal Canadiens in the 2008 Kraft Hockeyville game. Roberval was the winner of a contest that was held to find Canada’s most passionate hockey community. After 1.8 million votes across Canada were collected to assemble the five finalist communities, Roberval was selected by capturing the majority of the over 5.5 million phone and online votes during the final week of voting in March, 2008.

The Sabres will return to HSBC Arena from Wednesday-Friday with workouts scheduled from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. each day. All practices are free and open to the public, and select concession stands will be open.

The first week of camp wraps up with home games against Toronto (Saturday, 7 p.m.) and Minnesota (Sunday, 7 p.m.).  Ticket prices for the home games range from $20 to $45, with all children 12 and under will receiving 50 per cent off all price levels with the purchase of an adult ticket. (Limit of four kids tickets for each adult ticket purchased.) To purchase tickets by phone, call 1-888-223-6000, or visit www.sabres.com or www.tickets.com to purchase online.

Buffalo Sabres Training Camp Schedule (from Sept. 19-28)

Friday, September 19	Veterans report at HSBC Arena, 9 a.m.-12 Noon
Saturday, September 20	On-ice at HSBC Arena, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Sunday, September 21	On-ice at HSBC Arena, 9 a.m.-12 Noon
Monday, September 22	Buffalo @ Toronto, 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, September 23	Buffalo @ Montreal (Roberval, Que.) 7 p.m.
Wednesday, September 24	On-ice at HSBC Arena, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Thursday, September 25	On-ice at HSBC Arena, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Friday, September 26	On-ice at HSBC Arena, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Saturday, September 27	Toronto @ Buffalo, 7 p.m.
Sunday, September 28	Minnesota @ Buffalo, 7 p.m.