‘This is a hockey town’ | A letter from Mattias Samuelsson

So, I’ve been going to this diner for about three years now. I’ll cease in there on a regular basis – breakfast on off days and whatnot.

This one man who works there, I see him on a regular basis. Nice man. He by no means mentioned something about my job. I assumed he simply did not know I performed for the Sabres.

Now I stroll in there, and each time, that man hits me with a “Great game last night!”

I’m beginning to suppose he knew who I used to be this complete time, however we have been so unhealthy, he did not wish to say something. I feel he was simply disenchanted.

It’s humorous, we might heard a lot about this ardour through the years – , what it might be like as soon as we received. And I’ve to confess, after listening to it a lot for thus lengthy, it may get drained. Like, yeah, it is going to be good once we’re profitable. Anywhere would.

But then we began profitable and we noticed it firsthand. And you understand, this place is not simply anyplace. The ardour right here actually is completely different than different cities.

Listen, I’m from Philly. I nonetheless watch Eagles video games and get pissed on the gamers. Look up Trea Turner getting booed with the Phillies – that is what I grew up with. So, I get it, what it means to be a passionate sports activities fan.

But this place is loopy, how a lot you all love hockey and coming to video games and cheering and booing and chugging beers. I imply, certain, most cities in all probability promote out the constructing when their staff is profitable. But how most of the folks in these cities really care concerning the staff? How many can title all of the gamers?

I really feel like right here, virtually each single particular person in KeyBank is really keen about this staff. They’re not simply on the recreation for one thing to do.