It was an optional skate this morning for the Buffalo Sabres, which was nonetheless very well attended, except for forward Thomas Vanek, and the best news was that Jaroslav Spacek was in full uniform this morning, and looks like he’s good to go tonight, so that will be a huge boost to the injury riddled team, especially on special teams. I talked to Jaro and he said he feels good. “I’ve been going to the doctors and they’ve been giving me tests” said Spacek. “It has felt fine along but we shall see how it goes once we get into full contact.” Spacek also admits it’s been frustrating watching the team from the sidelines and unable to help. “I’ve traveled to all the games and I am with the guys. We have to become more loose that’s out style of play.”

Off the ice, the big news was the morning press conference where Managing Partner Larry Quinn announced that the team will be releasing some 4500 “obstructed view” tickets for sale at the price of $10 each. Shameless self plug time - WE were the first media outlet to break the news of $10 seats back in September.

Quinn indicated that these seats will only be sold in pairs or groups of four and will be color coded so that one member of the party must be 16 years of age or under. I asked how this woud be policed, and he replied, “We’re hoping that people honor this on their own, but we will be enforcing this at the turnstiles, and turning away people if they don’t have a youngster present.” Quinn said that there is a possibilty that there will be a dedicated entrance for people holding these special tickets. They are onsale now on the Sabres website and fans need to register for a random drawing to earn the right to buy these specially priced seats before November 16. Only purchasers with a Buffalo area ZIP code or Southern Ontario postal code will be allowed to participate.

Despite all the consternation about alleged scalpers and out of town interests buying up huge blocks of tickets for this event, Quinn stated “at least 54,000 tickets went to the fans of Western New York.” He stated that through corporate and sponsor obligations, more tickets will most likely filter into local hands. He readily admitted that the organization had no idea that interest and demand would be so huge.

I asked Quinn if the team had set up rules for parking lot tailgating how early would lots be opened and what parking would cost, and he replied that those details are still being worked out. He also stated that other ideas are floating about for a “Party in the Plaza” type event at HSBC Arena, and invited the public and the media to send in suggestions for programs that might enhance the event.

Season ticket holders, mini pack holders, and those lucky enough to get “additionals” will see their tickets in their mailboxes today. (Ours arrived yay!)

Puck drops tonight at 7:30PM, and the house should be rocking. Pete was supposed to have the AV chair tonight, but his dad is in town from Horseheads and they are doing some home improvement work at Chateau du Farrell, so yours truly will pinch hit and cover.

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