The Buffalo Sabres have been on the cutting edge for the past few years. Even though management hasn’t signed the “big names” over the past 12 months, they continue to give us a competitive team and trying new things to get families into the game.

From Tom Golisano’s takeover bringing $10 tickets for a preseason game a few years ago, to the Party in the Plaza that everyone’s copying now, it seems to me like Sabres managment is making a real effort to cultivate a new generation of hockey fan.

That continues on Friday as autograph sessions with Buffalo Sabres players and family-friendly food and drink specials highlight the NHL Entry Draft Party at HSBC Arena on from 5-9 p.m. The event is free and open to fans of all ages. Parking is also free in the arena ramp.