Heritage Classic teams arrive in hard hats, uniforms from 'Semi-Pro'

The Toronto Maple Leafs showed up to the 2022 Tim Hortons NHL Heritage Classic in Hamilton, Ontario on Sunday dressed for some heavy lifting while the Buffalo Sabres arrived ready to..

Each team arrived for the game with themed outfits, which is
becoming tradition
for
outdoor games
held by the NHL.
The Maple Leafs were clad in hard hats and bright orange jumpsuits, looking like they were carrying their lunch in a pail and about to build the next giant skyscraper.

In an obvious nod to the event site, Maple Leafs players also carried cups of Tim Hortons coffee with them.
As for the Sabres, they decided to get tropical, showing up in full basketball uniforms of the fictional Flint Tropics, the team from the 2008 Will Ferrell sports comedy classic "Semi-Pro." The team originally wanted to wear Canadian tuxedos, but the Tampa Bay Lightning arrived at the 2022 Navy Federal Credit Union NHL Stadium Series in all denim a few weeks ago, so at the last minute, the Sabres pivoted.
"There were a couple skeptical ideas going around and somebody brought up "Semi-Pro." I think it was (Cody Eakin) and everyone just agreed and thought it was a good idea," Sabres forward Vinnie Hinostroza said.

A couple of the Sabres even completed the look with headbands and wristbands.
"We had a fun ride over from the hotel wearing those "Semi-Pro" costumes," Hinostroza said. "It was exciting and obviously you want to play well when you come in looking like idiots. We were able to answer the bell and it was a great day."
Sabres forward Alex Tuch told TNT that the idea was the brainchild of teammates Kyle Okposo and Cody Eakin.
"It's pretty neat," Sabres coach Don Granato said. "It was fun to see guys in the other events do it. And I know our guys looked forward to it. I think one of their choices was stolen by another team earlier in the year. And that was a conversation this morning, yes. It's fun. It's what it should be. Today should be a lot of fun. These guys all know how to have fun and compete just like they did in the backyard."
Going with basketball jerseys and short shorts was extra brave of the Sabres as pregame tempatures were a frigid 27 degrees.