Sharpen Up: September 10, 2019

Training camp is almost here.
Here's what you need to know.

A look back at the Prospects Challenge

From the recap of yesterday's finale against Pittsburgh…
While Rochester Americans coach Chris Taylor led the Sabres behind the bench through the three exhibition games, Sabres coach Ralph Krueger and general manager Jason Botterill watched closely from the stands. Both came away impressed with the level of competition they witnessed.
"It was impressive how much compete there was and the will to win was there right off the bat," Krueger said following the Sabres' 6-4 loss to Pittsburgh on Monday afternoon. "Even today with a bit of a rough start, they fought their way back into this one.
"I thought the leadership, players that had been here before, was strong and the new, younger, rookie players - the true rookie players - were well-guided through this process. We got to see some new players and I personally got to know them a lot better over these last few days. Overall, it was a good weekend."

The Sabres finished the weekend 2-1 with wins over New Jersey and Boston. They fought their way back from a 4-0 deficit on Monday, with Rasmus Asplund netting a pair of goals to tie the game in the third period only to see Nathan Legare score the winner for Pittsburgh 16 seconds later. Dylan Cozens and Brett Murray also scored goals.
The result of the last game aside, the individual and team performances boded well for players looking to make a splash once main camp opens on Thursday. And, as Botterill reinforced Monday, there will be opportunities for young players to supplant veterans and earn NHL roster spots over the next three weeks.

"I think we've shown in the past, it hasn't been lip service," Botterill said. "It's been with our actions. If players knock out veteran players, they're going to have the opportunity to be here. That's what we're going to be looking for.
"… We've talked a lot about our returning players, challenging them to be ready to go right away because we wanted to bring more players in to have more success as an organization. So, I think the competition's going got be great the next couple weeks."
For more on the competition heading into camp on Thursday, click here.

Training camp schedule

Here's the schedule for the first few days of camp at KeyBank Center. All practice times subject to change.
Thursday, Sept. 12
Players report for testing and physicals
Friday, Sept. 13
Gold Group: 10 to 11:15 a.m.
Blue Group: 1 to 2:15 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 14
Blue Group: 10 to 11:15 a.m.
Gold Group: 1 to 2:15 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 15 (Open to public)
Gold Group: 10 to 11:15 a.m.
Blue Group: 1 to 2:15 p.m.
The first preseason game will be on Monday against Pittsburgh at Penn State's Pegula Ice Arena.
Click here for the full camp schedule.

PSE introduces LECOM as Haborcenter naming rights partner

From the press release…
Pegula Sports & Entertainment and Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) today unveiled a multi-year naming rights partnership at LECOM Harborcenter. LECOM, one of the largest and most affordable medical colleges in the United States, will begin to inspire a new generation of future medical, pharmacy and dental students through its involvement at LECOM Harborcenter.
PSE President & CEO Kim Pegula will join LECOM President & CEO John M. Ferretti, D.O. on Monday, September 23 to formally unveil LECOM Harborcenter and announce a major community initiative.
"We have a mission to build long-term success and strive for excellence in all of our businesses," Kim Pegula said. "LECOM exemplifies excellence as both an industry and community leader, significantly advancing opportunities for aspiring medical students over the last 25 years. We are proud to extend our partnership and create many new opportunities at LECOM Harborcenter."
"LECOM and the Buffalo Sabres share a commitment to our community, to health and wellness, and to developing young people into highly-trained professionals who will succeed," said Dr. Ferretti. "LECOM enthusiastically partners with several sports organizations to extend our focus on wellness, preventative medicine, whole body health care, and the principals of osteopathic medicine. Success on the field of competition and in the practice of medicine both require heart, pride and teamwork. Success in life requires the same."
You can read more about the partnership here.