'He embodies Buffalo' | Tuch wins 2023 Rick Martin Memorial Award

Alex Tuch made a footprint in Western New York before he ever wore a Buffalo Sabres sweater.
The Sabres acquired Tuch from the Vegas Golden Knights while he was still recovering from offseason shoulder surgery in November of last season. He made his debut with the team at the end of December.
In the meantime, Tuch visited the Sabres offices and introduced himself to staff members. He stopped by the 11 Day Power Play and Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center. He shared stories about growing up a Sabres fan in Baldwinsville, New York.
It was all done with a purpose.

"The entire City of Buffalo, you want to get as many people a part of our team as possible," Tuch said at the time. "I know that once we continue to build and progress this team is going to be selling out barns, playing in the playoffs down the road. We have high expectations for this group going forward. I think myself included, we put a lot of pressure on ourselves to do as much as possible."
The relationship Tuch has developed with Buffalo was recognized Thursday. Tuch became the third recipient of the Rick Martin Memorial Award, voted on by fans to recognize the Sabres player who "best demonstrates on-ice excellence, resiliency, and dedication to the community."

Tuch, 26, has had a career-best season on the ice while continuing to establish himself as a member of the community. He purchased 20 tickets to 10 games this season and donated them to various groups including Best Buddies, GiGi's Playhouse, and the Make Lemonaide Foundation for CP. He did a meet-and-greet with the groups following each game.
Tuch attended various community events, including a family skate with players from the Buffalo Warriors sled hockey team. He was present when members of Buffalo Sabres Thunder, a team for athletes with developmental disabilities, were surprised with brand-new royal blue jerseys.
"He embodies Buffalo," Chris Polisoto, who plays on the Thunder, said. "That's what I love: Someone who embodies the city for what we represent here."

On the ice, Tuch has set new career highs in goals (35), assists (42), and points (77) through 72 games. He has eight game-winning goals and two hat tricks, the first of his career.
"I've had the best time of my life this past year," Tuch said after tallying four points, including the overtime winner, in Boston on New Year's Eve. "It's been an absolute dream putting on this sweater every night. But just to be with this group of guys has been unbelievable. I'm super excited for the future for this entire organization and all the guys in the locker room. I love playing with each and every one of them."
The Rick Martin Memorial Award is named in honor of Sabres great Rick Martin. "Rico" was a two-time 50-goal scorer who played 10 seasons in Buffalo from 1972-82 and remained an active member of the community until his death in 2011.
Martin played 681 games for the Sabres (3rd in franchise history) with 382 goals (2nd) and 695 points (3rd). His number 7 hangs from the rafters alongside Gilbert Perreault and the late Rene Robert, his linemates on the famed French Connection.
Tuch was one of three finalists along with Rasmus Dahlin and Kyle Okposo after an initial round of fan voting. Okposo won "The Rico" last year.
The award is presented by the Sabres' Gold Ring Partners: KeyBank, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Western New York, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, and LECOM.