DUNLEAVY: Looking back at top Sabres highlights from 2022-23

I'm not sure there is a way to truly put into words what the 2022-23 Sabres season meant to me and my family, but here goes nothing!

As a young man, I graduated from Niagara College's Radio, Film and TV three-year course in 1987. During those three years, I called my first ever hockey game, between the Thorold Blackhawks and Port Colborne Schooners.

The call came complete with some kind of long-haired perm, a sweater pulled way too tight over a collared shirt and tie, and what were called parachute pants back in those days. Shiny, gray, tight and full of zippered pockets. Yes, that was styling back then - likely doused in Stetson cologne as well.

I said every player's name twice as they touched the puck, "Smith, Smith looks, Smith passes." I was going off what I had heard my broadcast heroes do when they were at the mic on Hockey Night in Canada or the Wednesday Game of the Week on Channel Eleven.

The voice that stuck in my mind more than any other was that of Ted Darling, the Hockey Hall of Famer and Sabres broadcast icon. And as Rick Jeanneret would later describe him, "The Voice of the Sabres."

(Of course, RJ and his amazing career as the creator of moments also sits firmly in that same suite along with Ted.)

Fast forward to 2022-23, RJ's first full season away from calling Sabres games. Nobody looked forward to that day ever happening. I knew it, I felt it, and that still rides with me every time I step into a position previously occupied by not one, but two Hockey Hall of Fame talents.

I had heard many times from countless people, "I wouldn't want to be the next guy to take that job!" I understand and respect what was being said to me at the time, but I was also dumfounded by it to a large degree. Was I really supposed to not want this iconic job opportunity that was going to present itself?! This guy?

I was all in from the moment the Sabres offered me the chance to work with RJ and the team in 2013. And with that opportunity came the need to be resilient enough to take on everything that came with eventually being "The Next Guy."

Two years in Toronto calling Maple Leaf radio games along with another Hall of Famer, Joe Bowen, was my full-time introduction to being around the NHL.

Jim Ralph, the Leafs color analyst, was my mentor. Jim showed me the ins and outs of how to manage the position I was in for the first time with the Maple Leafs. More importantly, Ralphie made me laugh. And boy did we laugh for those two seasons I was riding along with that crew.

The transition was a cumulative 11-season ride for me. Calling some of the games (about half a season's worth of actual play-by-play) came to an end this past season. I was now going to call all 82 games of a team's season for the very first time, and I am here to tell you, I had a blast!

As the season wore on, my courageous wife Brenda remained my coach and biggest supporter, even through her battle with a rare and often-reoccurring cancer and I can't thank her enough. At the moment I am writing this, I want you to know Brenda is doing great!

At the rink, I need to thank the players who wore the Sabres jersey this past season. I spent time chatting with some core members of the team and told them how much they meant to me in my first full play-by-play season in any sport. Without the amazing season from these men, I don't know how I would have been received.

As it turns out, I owe everyone in Buffalo a huge thank you. Your kind words over the course of this past season were empowering.

You can't please everyone. And I am OK with that finally because I know we are starting a new ride here - with new players, a new vibe for a new generation of young Sabres fans.

Rasmus Dahlin, Tage Thompson, Dylan Cozens, Owen Power, Alex Tuch, Jack Quinn, JJ Peterka, Mattias Samuelsson and Peyton Krebs all showcased who they are with even more room to grow.

Alex Tuch, Jeff Skinner, Casey Mittelstadt, Kyle Okposo and Zemgus Girgensons put their determined efforts on display every night.

Ilya Lyubushkin, I think it's safe to say, unexpectedly gave us the showcase moment of where this team is right now and where this group is headed, with his "Are you kidding me??" moment in Tampa.

Buffalo fans, you made special nights special again. For Ryan Miller Night and every Black and Red Game, especially, the atmosphere at the rink was alive and I can't tell you how much that means to people standing in my position.

Another highlight I cannot leave out was the fact we were on the road with the team calling games again. I am very thankful to all who make those decisions. Being with the team through the season helped Rob Ray and I dig deep into the vibe of this group.

The ability to get to know the guys and coaching staff and have numerous conversations away from the rink really did add a lot to our broadcast this past season.

The next step for all of us will be to soak in the day this Sabres team gets back into the Stanley Cup Playoffs. I have no doubt in the players' abilities and desire for that goal and have complete faith in general manager Kevyn Adams, head coach Don Granato and the hockey staff. Indeed, that is where we are headed.

When we get there, you and I are going to lay down the next generation's soundtrack to some Sabres glory days. Long may they last.

Thank you, Buffalo!