Originally published: nhl.com
The season is winding down, but there’s still a lot going on.
The Buffalo Sabres are getting practice sessions in as they prepare for their final two games of the season. They’ll face the Boston Bruins on the road Thursday night before returning home for the season finale on Friday against the Chicago Blackhawks.
Friday will not only be Fan Appreciation Night, but also RJ’s Last Call presented by Wegmans. Rick Jeanneret will broadcast his final game as the team’s play-by-play announcer. He’ll retire after 51 years behind the mic.
We have more details on the night in Sharpen Up.
Here’s what you need to know.
New ‘Beyond Blue and Gold’ premieres tonight at 7 p.m.
A new episode of “Beyond Blue and Gold,” premiering Tuesday night on Sabres.com and the Buffalo Sabres’ official YouTube Channel will take fans behind the scenes of one of the most memorable nights in franchise history.
“RJ Forever” presented by Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Western New York follows legendary Sabres play-by-play announcer Rick Jeanneret around KeyBank Center on the night his banner was unveiled in the rafters.
Experience the night through Jeanneret’s eyes and ride the wave of emotions with him, from a pregame conversation with head coach Don Granato to the players escorting him out onto the ice for one final salute.
Fans will hear from RJ’s wife Sandra – with an exclusive look at their home – and his current broadcast partners.
Fan Appreciation details
The Buffalo Sabres will honor the best fans in hockey this week during the final two games of the regular season.
• Fan Appreciation at Home (Thursday, April 28 at Boston Bruins)
• Fan Appreciation Night presented by Wegmans (Friday, April 29 vs. Chicago Blackhawks) – Tickets are on sale now
During Friday’s regular-season finale at KeyBank Center, the team will host Fan Appreciation Night presented by Wegmans. Faceoff is set for 7 p.m. Doors open at 5:30.
The first 10,000 fans in attendance will receive a commemorative “RJ’s Last Call” T-shirt. Fans will be able to send RJ off with various concourse activations including photos in front of both a “Thank You, RJ” banner and alpha lit letters. Fans can also fill out a placard upon arrival to share a special message with RJ. After the game, fans are encouraged to stay in their seats to honor Jeanneret.
Using the Mixhalo app, fans can bring their headphones and listen to RJ’s final broadcast live without delay in the arena bowl on their smartphone.
The 2021-22 Fan of the Year will be recognized during a pregame ceremony on the ice that will also announce the winner of this year’s Rick Martin Memorial Award winner presented by the team’s Gold Ring partners (KeyBank, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Western New York, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center and LECOM).
Kyle Okposo, Jeff Skinner and Alex Tuch are this year’s Rico Award finalists. The award, as voted on by the fans, honors the player who best demonstrates on-ice excellence, resiliency, and a dedication to the community.
Fans at the game can also enjoy 30 percent off the Sabres Store, $2 concession prices on popcorn, hot dogs, nachos and bottled non-alcoholic beverages. Lucky rows will receive giveaways and other prizes.
Select season-ticket members will also have the opportunity to join the team on the ice for the return of Jersey Off Our Backs, where they’ll receive a player’s game-worn jersey after the final horn.
Fans are also encouraged to tune in to MSG on Thursday during Buffalo’s road game against the Boston Bruins for Fan Appreciation at Home festivities. Pregame coverage begins at 6:30 p.m.
Throughout Thursday’s broadcast, fans can win prizes, and winners will be announced live on the air.