Mark Mancari (Photo: Bill Wippert)

The Buffalo Sabres today announced they will open Training Camp for the 2009-10 NHL season on Tuesday, September 8 at 11:00 a.m. when rookies hit the ice at the Amherst Pepsi Center.

The full camp gets underway on Saturday, September 12 when the veterans report to HSBC Arena at 8 a.m. The doors will be open to the public at 9:30 a.m.

A total of 53 players are currently scheduled to attend this year’s camp -- 31 forwards, 18 defensemen and 4 goaltenders. (Adam Mair is listed on the roster, but will not participate due to injury.) The full training camp schedule will be released in the near future.

The Sabres will play six pre-season games, including a pair at HSBC Arena. Buffalo plays the first of two preseason home games on Thursday, September 17 at 7 p.m. against the Washington Capitals. This game is included as part of the season ticket package.

The Sabres close out the home portion of the preseason on Wednesday, September 23 at 7 p.m. versus Toronto. This game will not be included in season ticket packages. Tickets for both games are on sale now. To purchase tickets by phone, call 1-888-223-6000, or visit www.sabres.com or www.tickets.com to purchase online. Visit www.sabres.com or call 1-888-GO-SABRES for more information.

Check www.sabres.com for practice schedule updates.