BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) – Feb. 22, 2011 was a great day in Buffalo Sabres history. New owner Terry Pegula declared in his introductory press conference, "Starting today, the Buffalo Sabres' reason for existence will be to win a Stanley Cup."
Pegula got emotional seeing Sabres legends, especially Gilbert Perreault, who said it was a pleasant surprise for him to be remembered that fondly so long after his playing days.
You can watch News 4's coverage from that night in the video above.
The press conference was well attended by then-current and former Sabres players, media, and team employees. NHL commissioner Gary Bettman was on hand. Three of Pegula's children were interviewed on the news that day, including Jessica, now one of the top women's tennis players in the world.
"My dad, he started with absolutely nothing. He did a lot with a little," Michael Pegula said. "He's just a fighter, he never gives up. Just keep watching, we're going to go places."
The press conference also included a line that has been frequently referenced in the years since: "I want to run the team to win the Stanley Cup," Pegula said. "If I want to make some money, I'll go drill a gas well."
The Sabres used a late surge to make the playoffs in 2011 after Pegula bought the team, but haven't been back to the postseason since. Thirteen years since the iconic press conference, fans are still dreaming of that Stanley Cup.
