Jason Pominville (Photo: Bill Wippert)

The Buffalo Sabres today announced the preseason opener against the Carolina Hurricanes on Sept. 19 will be ‘Slug’ Appreciation Day at First Niagara Center. To formally recognize the former logo and usher in a new era with the current Sabres logo, the team will be holding ‘Slug’-related contests throughout the game and a sale in the Sabres Store will give fans the opportunity to purchase new merchandise with the current Sabres logo.

The old ‘Slug’ logo, which was used as the team’s primary logo from 2006 to 2010, has been removed from the video scoreboard and throughout First Niagara Center this offseason. The team’s current logo has been added to the video scoreboard and will be revealed prior to Monday night’s game.

Fans are encouraged to wear their old Sabres merchandise featuring the ‘Slug’ logo to Monday’s game to receive a 41% discount – to honor the team’s 41st season – on a matching item featuring the Sabres’ current logo.

Doors to the Sabres Store will open at 10 a.m. and will remain open until the conclusion of Monday night’s game. Fans are cautioned, however, that they will need a ticket to enter the building after 7 p.m. The sale is not a ‘trade-in’ sale, fans will be keeping the old ‘Slug’ items. This is a one-day sale and cannot be combined with any other offers or discounts. Previous sales are excluded and products are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Rain checks will be issued for sold out items.

Fans wearing their ‘Slug’ attire will also be eligible for several contests running throughout the night. For a chance to win current Sabres jerseys, fans can follow the team on Facebook (www.facebook.com/bufsabres) and Twitter (@SabresDotCom). An in-game silent auction will also give fans a chance to win game-worn jerseys from the 2009-10 season. For rules & regulations contests, click here.

Tickets for Monday night’s game are still available. Visit Sabres.com or call 1-888-GO-SABRES to purchase tickets.