Sharpen Up: October 10, 2022 | Sabres open season on Thursday

This week, we're back to hockey.
The Buffalo Sabres open the 2022-23 campaign on Thursday against the Ottawa Senators on home ice at 7 p.m. Tickets are on sale now.
Here's what you need to know.

Last week's big story

Kyle Okposo has been named the 20 th full-time captain in team history.
The announcement was made Saturday during the team's annual family skate. Rasmus Dahlin and Zemgus Girgensons will serve as alternate captains this season.

"It's impossible to overstate what Kyle has meant to this group - he is patient, he is a lifelong learner, he is levelheaded, and most of all, he is proud to be a Buffalo Sabre," general manager Kevyn Adams said.
"When times get difficult, Kyle knows when to speak up, and when he does, the team takes it to heart. Kyle and his family have made Buffalo their home and want to see our organization succeed, both on and off the ice. I am proud that Kyle will represent our organization with class and dignity."

Read more about the announcement here.

The games ahead

As we mentioned, the home opener is Thursday. The first 12,000 fans in attendance will receive a special City of Buffalo-themed Sabres flag that they can fly or hang proudly in their homes.
A special Party in the Plaza will kick things off starting at 4 p.m. featuring player arrivals on a Blue & Gold Carpet in vehicles provided by Northtown Automotive.
Fans can enjoy music from The Strictly Hip, hockey activations and photo opportunities, and meet Sabres alumni. There will also be activities for kids in Alumni Plaza.
Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the first 12,000 fans attending the game will receive a City of Buffalo-themed Sabres flag.

That night's 50/50 Raffle will have a guaranteed jackpot of $50,000. New this season, Sabres fans throughout New York State can purchase tickets to Sabres 50/50 raffles online for each home game.
Fans who attend Sabres home games can purchase 50/50 tickets from volunteer sellers throughout the arena or online from their mobile device. Click here to purchase 50/50 tickets online. https://sabres.5050raffle.org/give/sabres
The game will air on MSG with pregame coverage starting at 6:30. Dan Dunleavy and Rob Ray will have the call at 7 on MSG and WGR 550.
More details on Opening Night can be found here.

Opening weekend festivities will continue on Saturday when Buffalo hosts the Florida Panthers. Fans can partake in Hocktoberfest, a fall-themed Party in the Plaza, starting at 11 a.m. Faceoff is at 1 p.m. The first 10,000 fans at the game will receive a magnet schedule.

What else to look for this weeek

The NHL season begins in North America tomorrow night with a pair of games. The Rangers will host Tampa Bay and the Kings will face the Golden Knights in a doubleheader on ESPN.
Six games are on tomorrow, which includes Colorado's banner-raising ceremony.

Opening night rosters are due to the league by 5 p.m. today. Stay tuned for an official announcement.
Yesterday, the team assigned defensemen Kale Clague, Jeremy Davies and Chase Priskie to the Rochester Americans after they cleared waivers.

The Amerks open their season on Friday at home against Toronto.