BUFFALO, N.Y. — Some of the newer members of the Buffalo Sabres – defenseman Michael Kesselring and Josh Doan – got to experience a community day in Western New York to get to know fans.
“We’re hockey players, but we’re people too,” said Kesselring ahead of the regular season opener. “And to have that every day interaction with our fans, I think it’s important.
“It’s fun to do this once in a while and [no] better place than Tim Hortons, right?” Kesselring said while helping serve coffee and doughnuts to customers.
“It’s been a staple in our household and it’s fun to come, work here and experience it,” said Doan.
So, what is the go-to Tim Horton order for Kesselring and Doan?
“A large iced coffee, regular. And then probably a chocolate chip muffin,” said Kesselring. “[I] try to stay away from the Timbits, but I’ll get them once in a while.”
“The order’s been the same. I still have it before games,” Doan said. “It will be a vanilla drip donut with an iced coffee. Now, as a kid, it was a hot chocolate.”
A day with Peyton Krebs also helped them get acclimated, as they spent some quality time with fans and people who came just for the coffee through the drive-thru window.
“We’ve had some people going to weddings. We’ve had babies crying in the backseat and everyone’s been excited. I think just being friendly with them and approachable is the main focus point for us,” Doan added.
While they won’t leave their day jobs anytime soon, they certainly have had their days elsewhere around Buffalo.
“It’s been great here so far,” said Kesselring. “Me and Josh are obviously living together, so we’re getting a feel for Buffalo, and nothing but good things to say so far.”
This all comes as the duo changes locker rooms and goals for the new roster.
“Obviously, being in Utah last year, there’s no history. Right? So, when you walk into the rink right now and [you see] the jerseys retired and all the names up there, it gives you a bigger perspective of what you’re playing for,” Kesselring said. “It’s more than just last year – that was just the start of a new legacy. You’re playing for other guys’ legacies and to get the franchise going again. It’s pretty cool.”
They’ve heard plenty about a playoff drought, but with their arrival, they believe they can help bring a certain buzz back to the KeyBank Center.
“You look at the [Buffalo] Bills and what they’ve kind of created the last couple of years with the run that they’ve been on. They show up every day and people are screaming and cheering and jumping through tables,” said Doan. “So I think bringing that energy over to hockey would be cool. And that’s something we’re looking to do – get downtown Buffalo moving again and try to get some wins, and get the fanbase going early on.”