-player budget will go up 15-20%

-season tix to go up 5%/ moving 300-500 people off waiting list through attrition and expansion of ST base.

-first order of business off ice is Darcy finishing up plans for what he needs in the scouting department, including possible expansion

-team had internal discussion on team and what needs to be done to put a Cup winner together; from trying to strike new deals with current players to targetting RFAs and UFAs

-team interested in retiring Hasek's number

-mentioned possibly putting together travel packages for fans to go with the team to Europe at the start of next season.

-as we already knew, renovating players lockerroom and workout facility to make it one of the best in the NHL

-talked about a Sabres app. But they are waiting on the NHL which is working on a format for all the teams.

-also mentioned upgrading the wifi at HSBC.

-possibly use of social media to enhance game experience and fan experience overall.

-mentioned possibly putting together travel packages for fans to go with the team to Europe at the start of next season.

Has anyone brought up the whole MSG situation? Fuck them. Sorry....been bothering me for years.

He's been asked about MSG about 600 times since they took over. All he's really said is that they're a good partner, but he's hinted that he's leaning on them to get their shit together.

Also not noted elsewhere: New dehumidifier that cost over $1M installed around the back of the arena to help improve ice conditions.

Some of the seats in the lower bowl on the removable bleachers could stand to be better, but it's not a huge issue.

im not sure the facilities needed upgrading when golisano took over. hsbc was then 7 years old. its now 15. this is when arenas tend to get major facelifts and such. id imagine theyll upgrade plenty of stuff. they could replace the seats too, but we shall see.

one "upgrade" the arena got that i didnt feel it needed was the new boards/glass system. the ones the installed in.. 2002? those were the best. that glass had alot of give.

The Buffalo Sabres announced today they have partnered with AAA Western & Central New York to offer Sabres fans a unique travel opportunity when the team opens the 2011-12 NHL season in Germany as part of the 2011 Compuware NHL Premiere Games.

The six-night trip runs from October 2-9, and includes stops in Frankfurt, Munich and Berlin. The Sabres will play an exhibition game against Adler Mannheim at SAP Arena in Mannheim on October 4. They will then travel to Berlin to face the Los Angeles Kings in a regular season game on October 8 at the O2 World Arena. Fans will also have the opportunity to spend a full day in Munich on October 6 to explore the city’s rich history.

“We are thrilled to be able to partner with AAA Western & Central New York to create this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our fans to join us in Germany this October,” said Sabres President Ted Black. “Sabres Nation travels well throughout North America in the regular season, and I expect this trip to be no different.”

“Both the Sabres and AAA have a long history of being part of the fabric of our community,” said David Gevanthor, Vice President/Travel for AAA Western & Central New York. “We, at AAA, are pleased to collaborate with the Sabres to provide travel arrangements for fans to experience this unique opportunity.”

For just $1699 per person (double occupancy), the trip includes: six nights accommodations, transportation to all planned events, tickets to both games, breakfast daily, along with special planned team events. All applicable taxes and fees are included. Airfare and trip insurance are not included. Space is limited.

There is also an optional tour that can be added to the package, allowing fans to fly to Helsinki, Finland, for the team’s season opener on October 8 versus Anaheim at the Hartwall Areena.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL 800-242-4244, OR VISIT WWW.AAA.COM