BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) – Besides being a big day for USA Hockey, February 22nd marks the anniversary of the first time Buffalo Sabres fans heard from owner Terry Pegula after he bought the team in 2011.

Pegula famously declared in his introductory press conference that “Starting today, the Buffalo Sabres’ reason for existence will be to win a Stanley Cup.”

The press conference was well attended by then-current and former Sabres players, media, and team employees. NHL commissioner Gary Bettman was on hand. Three of Pegula’s children were interviewed on the news that day, including Jessica, now one of the top women’s tennis players in the world.

Advertisement

Advertisement

The Sabres used a late surge to make the playoffs in 2011, but haven’t been back to the postseason since.

You can watch News 4’s coverage from that night in the video above.

Latest Local News  

Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to News 4 Buffalo.