While the Junior Sabres continue to produce players who have been selected in the NHL Draft, Kaleta said the program's main goal is to teach kids how to play the game the right way and instill the importance of building relationships, hard work and a growth mindset to succeed in hockey and life. The organization recently created a Mite program and two girls' teams to continue growing the game in Buffalo, where the former Sabres forward grew up.
He has watched as an ever-growing number of Buffalo Jr. Sabres players progress to the next level of hockey while the Western New York area continues to grow.
“I think it's really special and it's only going to get better,” Kaleta said. “Plus, I don't think people realize how incredible the work of the staff that coaches, supports and operates the Jr. Sabres actually is. For us, this is not only about creating a place for the elite to play and develop with resources like HarborCenter, Impact and the Academy of Hockey, but also growing our fan base. … I think back to the great moments I had growing up and in my life and I want to create that for more kids in the area.”
“Our group — employees, coaches and others — is a very special group that makes it happen.”
With Geary, Costantini, McCarthy, Smith, Wahlwerk and McKenna all competing at the Sabres development camp, Kaleta was extremely proud that the six players who participated in the program were able to achieve their dreams. Sabres Director of Player Development Adam Mair praised Kaleta and his team for helping create these opportunities for young players through the Junior Sabres development program.
“It's incredible. I think it speaks to the vision of the Pegula family and the work that's been done to grow hockey in Buffalo at the grassroots level,” Maher said. “You know, we have a lot of people who have worked with these players, including Matt Ellis, Tim Kennedy, myself and Kevin on the Sabres staff, so we're very excited.”
