BUFFALO, N.Y. (January 8, 2015) — The Buffalo Sabres will officially retire the jersey of goaltender Dominik Hasek, one of the most prolific goaltenders in NHL history, in a ceremony scheduled to take place Tuesday, Jan. 13, prior to the team’s home game against the Detroit Red Wings at First Niagara Center. Fans are encouraged to arrive early and be in their seats by 6:45 p.m. to watch the 7 p.m. banner-raising ceremony. Additionally, a commemorative “39” Hasek banner, sponsored by First Niagara, will be handed out to all fans in attendance at Tuesday’s game.
The Sabres will also be selling autographed limited-edition Dominik Hasek hats, pucks and lithographs with proceeds benefitting Hasek’s Heroes. The items will be on sale Tuesday night in the 100-level Pavilion area of the arena. If any unsold items remain at the end of the game, they will be available at the Sabres Store and also on the team’s website, Sabres.com.
Hasek, who was the fifth and final Sabres player to wear No. 39, will be the seventh player in franchise history to receive the honor of having his number raised to the rafters. He was inducted into the Buffalo Sabres Hall of Fame on March 29 and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame on Nov. 17.
Hasek will join six other Sabres legends who have had their jerseys officially retired from use by the team. Other retired jerseys include: Gilbert Perreault (No. 11, retired in 1990); Rick Martin (No. 7, retired in 1995); Rene Robert (No. 14, retired in 1995); Tim Horton (No. 2, retired in 1996); Danny Gare (No. 18, retired in 2005); and Pat LaFontaine (No. 16, retired in 2006).
