Bills coach Rex Ryan in jersey for Sabres opener

Buffalo Bills coach Rex Ryan delivered his NFL press conference Thursday wearing a Buffalo Sabres jersey.

"We've got a big day obviously; we've got the Sabres, opening night," Ryan told the Bills website. "Obviously very excited about that.

"And if you're wondering, yes, the fighting strap is attached to this, just in case somebody from Ottawa tries to pull the sweater over my head, I'm ready to go."

Forward Jack Eichel, the No. 2 pick in the 2015 NHL Draft, will make his debut against the Ottawa Senators at First Niagara Center, and Stanley Cup winner Dan Bylsma will coach the Sabres for the first time.

"I will be amongst them," Ryan said.

Goalie Robin Lehner and forwards Evander Kane and Ryan O'Reilly also will play their first game for Buffalo.

Ryan, a hockey fan who grew up in Toronto, is in his first season as Bills coach. Terry Pegula owns the Bills and the Sabres.