Sabres introduce 2025-26 team dog, Mac

We’re excited to introduce the newest member of the Buffalo Sabres family, Mac, who will serve as the official team dog for the 2025-26 season.

Mac is currently training to become a service dog for a local veteran as part of the WNYHeroes “Pawsitive for Heroes” program. He will become the fifth Sabres team dog to graduate from the program.

The 52-pound Newfoundland enjoys naps, chasing his siblings, taking himself on walks, and his service dog training (especially the treats he receives for doing a good job).

Most importantly, Mac is named for Sgt. Heath A. McMillin, a Canandaigua native who was killed while on patrol in an attack south of Baghdad in July 2003. McMillin was assigned to the 105th Military Police Company of the Army National Guard in Buffalo.

Like previous team dogs, Mac will complete his training at a local correctional facility, another aspect of the Pawsitive for Heroes program geared toward giving inmates, including incarcerated veterans, a skill they can utilize upon their release.

Last year’s team dog, Audie, was paired with Lancaster native and Marine Corps veteran Chad DuFrane, who shared how Audie’s service has aided his everyday life.

• Read: Audie's journey from Sabres team dog to 'lifesaving' service animal

“It’s really life changing,” he continued. “There's a feeling you get when you go to the store with people that you were in the military with. Your panic and anxiety and stuff is not really there because you know someone's got your back. And when she's with me, it's like that same feeling, because I have an extra set of eyes and ears that is looking out for me.”

Learn more about WNYHeroes here.