TRENDING NOW

Eastern Conference team looking to ban opposing team's fans

PUBLICATION

Josh
September 4, 2023 (5:20 PM)

SHARE THIS STORY

In the past we've seen NHL teams restrict access to tickets to outside fan bases during the Stanley Cup Playoffs. However, it's not common practice during the regular season. In fact, it doesn't make much sense to restrict ticket sales during the regular season. Especially for a team that doesn't often sell out.

According to NHL Breakers on Instagram, the Buffalo Sabres are attempting to restrict sales of tickets to residents outside of Buffalo during the regular season.

The Buffalo Sabres will start to limit initial ticket sales to keep away fans from taking over their arena.

The change comes after 'several' Sabres players expressed how 'embarrassed and disgusted' they were with the amount of away fans invading the building, especially against Toronto.

It's reported that the final straw with the players was watching the amount of hats on the ice for former Sabres captain Ryan O'Reilly's hat trick in Buffalo on February 21st.

Apparently, this all came to a boiling point on February 21st after former Sabres captain Ryan O'Reilly scored a hat trick as a member of the Toronto Maple Leafs. Buffalo players were reportedly upset by the number of hats thrown in the ice by fans.

The idea of restricting access to tickets to fans outside of Buffalo is a great idea in principal. But if you're unable to sell tickets and you lose out on revenue, this could definitely backfire.

Previously on HockeyUnplugged

Former Toronto Maple Leafs player loses battle with cancer

Evander Kane provides important update on his health ahead of training camp

Report reveals that a Lightning superstar was nearly traded to the Rangers

Latest 10 stories