As the NHL playoffs intensify, the Buffalo Sabres have captured the hearts of many hockey enthusiasts in St. Catharines, Ontario, even as the Montreal Canadiens push forward in the competition. During the first game of the second-round series on Wednesday night, Kully’s Original Sports Bar was buzzing with excitement, predominantly filled with fans donned in the Sabres’ iconic dark blue caps. This unique cross-border allegiance highlights the intertwined sports culture of the Niagara region.
A Cross-Border Connection
In a region straddling the Canada-US border, it’s common to witness a blend of support for both American and Canadian teams. Adrian Kulakowsky, the owner of Kully’s, noted the distinctive local culture, where family ties and friendships often transcend national lines. “It’s part of the culture here in Niagara — a lot of family and friends on both sides of the border,” he explained, as the atmosphere in the bar crackled with cheers and friendly banter.
The Sabres surged ahead early in the match, sending half of the patrons into a frenzy while Montreal fans nursed their drinks in disappointment. Ultimately, the Sabres triumphed over the Canadiens with a 4-2 victory, further solidifying their status as the local favourites.
Lifelong Loyalty
Local resident Mal Romanin described Kully’s as the go-to gathering spot for Sabres supporters. Arriving thirty minutes early to secure a prime seat, he expressed his deep-rooted connection to the team, which he considers the hometown franchise. “I grew up in Thorold, and it’s our hometown team,” he remarked. Romanin, who previously served as the communications director for the Toronto Blue Jays, recounted how his family held season tickets for decades. He emphasised, “It’s kind of a local team — it was easy to access from this area of Niagara Region.”
Cheering for the Sabres is not viewed as un-Canadian, according to Romanin. “I don’t think hockey, at the NHL level, is about being nationalistic. It’s about your local team and the team that you root for.”
Generations of Support
This sentiment resonates strongly with families like that of Carol Taylor and her daughter Shelley Brevitt, who proudly identify as lifelong Sabres fans. The trio, including granddaughter Kailey Brevitt, frequently attend games in Buffalo, a mere stone’s throw away from their home. Shelley reminisced about the early 1980s when she and her mother would queue for tickets. “You have three generations here of Buffalo Sabres fans that are proud Canadians,” she said. “Yes, we have the Toronto Maple Leafs, but for us, it was always more convenient to go to Buffalo.”
As the playoffs progress, Kulakowsky noted a vibrant atmosphere at the bar, filled with excitement as fans revel in the Sabres’ first playoff appearance in over a decade. “There’s a huge fan base here. Obviously, given that drought, there’s been a lot of pent-up excitement from a lot of local fans,” he said.
Cross-Border Bonds
Kevin Townsend, a city councillor, highlighted the long-standing relationship between Niagara region fans and the Sabres, noting the team’s past training camp in St. Catharines and their historical playoff successes that fostered lifelong allegiance. “If you go watch any of the games at any of the local restaurants, you’ll notice that there are a lot of fans currently wearing Sabre jerseys,” he said, reinforcing the deep-rooted ties within the community.
Despite the political climate and trade tensions between the United States and Canada, Townsend emphasised a “lifelong friendship” between residents of Upstate New York and those in the Niagara region. He pointed out a recent game where the crowd continued to sing “O Canada” after a microphone malfunction, illustrating the mutual respect and camaraderie between the two nations. “It just kind of goes to show that level of respect that the people of Upstate New York have for Canadians,” he remarked.
This sense of unity was also represented in the stunning display at Niagara Falls, where the Horseshoe Falls were illuminated in red, white, and blue for the Canadiens, while the American side showcased blue and gold for the Sabres.
Why it Matters
The fervent support for the Buffalo Sabres in St. Catharines embodies a unique aspect of cross-border sports culture, illustrating how hockey transcends national boundaries. As fans rally behind their local team, it fosters a sense of community and shared identity, reinforcing the idea that sports can unite people across borders, regardless of political or economic differences. This phenomenon not only highlights the enduring passion for hockey but also underscores the deep-seated connections that bind communities on either side of the Niagara River.
