Darcy Regier begins his 11th year as General Manager of the Buffalo Sabres. He has led the franchise through some of its finest seasons – including the Stanley Cup Finals in 1999 and back-to-back Eastern Conference Finals appearances the last two seasons – while also managing the team through its most difficult times.  He has molded the Sabres into one of the most competitive and exciting teams in professional hockey. Regier and head coach Lindy Ruff make up the longest GM/Coach combination in the NHL and have had more success than any tandem in franchise history.

The Sabres have been considered a pioneer of the “new NHL,” developing a mix of young talent and skilled veterans to combine for the ultimate “team first” model. The fast skating, offensive style of hockey that the Sabres have adopted over the past few seasons culminated into one of the most successful two-year periods in team history in 2006-07. Last season, the Sabres set a team record for the most wins (53), captured the first President’s Trophy in franchise history, and led the league in goals scored with 308. Buffalo also tied NHL records by winning their first 10 games of the season, along with wins in their first 10 road games.  

Upon his arrival in Buffalo, Regier reorganized the Sabres’ scouting department, paying immediate dividends in the NHL Entry Draft. This year’s edition of the Sabres features eight players who were drafted in the first or second round since his first draft in 1997, including: Thomas Vanek (1st, 2003), Drew Stafford (1st, 2004) and Henrik Tallinder (2nd, 1997). In the second-round of the 2001 Draft, Regier the team Derek Roy (32nd) and Jason Pominville (55th), a pair of young forwards who have quickly become key contributors to the current Sabres. Of the 21 players who saw action for Buffalo during last year’s playoffs, 12 were drafted by the Sabres. In the off-season, Regier continued to solidify the team’s future when locked up both Vanek and Roy to long-term contracts.

Many of the club’s recent draft picks were thrust into the spotlight on February 27, 2007 in Toronto when the Sabres convincingly defeated the Maple Leafs 6-1. With injuries to key players like Daniel Briere and Chris Drury, and trade deadline acquisition Dainius Zubrus not available, Buffalo was forced to play the game with six rookies in the lineup. Clarke MacArthur (3rd, 2003) posted a career-high three points during the game, while players like Nathan Paetsch (7th, 2003), Mark Mancari (7th, 2004) and Patrick Kaleta (6th, 2004) all logged significant ice time in the win.

The hockey department’s success hasn’t been limited to draft day. Several trades and free agent signings have landed Buffalo some of their most valuable contributors.  Forwards Jochen Hecht and Tim Connolly were acquired in trades, in addition to defenseman Toni Lydman. Jaroslav Spacek was a highly coveted free agent defenseman who signed a three-year deal with Buffalo in 2006.

Prior to joining the Sabres, Regier served in roles with the Islanders as: Director of Hockey Administration, Assistant Coach, and Assistant General Manager. While on Long Island, he supervised the club’s amateur development, and saw their International Hockey League affiliate win back-to-back championships (Denver Grizzlies in 1994-95 and then, after moving to Salt Lake City, the Utah Grizzlies in 1995-96). Legendary Islanders’ coach Al Arbour, along with Bill Torrey, who served in roles as General Manager, President, Chairman of the Board, and Consultant with New York, were significant contributors to Regier’s career in hockey.  Regier left the Islanders organization briefly in the 1991-92 season to serve as an assistant coach with the Hartford Whalers.

Born in Swift Current, Saskatchewan, he was the fifth choice (77th overall) of the California Golden Seals in the 1976 Amateur Draft. He appeared in 26 NHL games over the course of three seasons with the Cleveland Barons and the New York Islanders, totaling two assists and 35 PIM. Regier played parts of eight seasons of professional hockey and was a member of three championship teams. In 1982, he was named a First Team All-Star with Indianapolis (IHL), where he learned from one of the people he considers an influence on his hockey life, current Detroit Red Wings Senior Vice President Jim Devellano, then the team’s GM.
    
During his playing career, Regier was involved in the early setup of the Professional Hockey Players’ Association.
    
Darcy and his wife, Katherine, reside in Clarence and have three sons: Jonathan, Justin, and Jarrett.