If Buffalo Sabres fans are disappointed about their team landing Jack Eichel instead of Connor McDavid, they have a funny way of showing it.
More than 17,000 people - the Buffalo News pegs it at 17,115 - showed up to watch the Sabres scrimmage on Friday night. That’s a crowd that exceeds some NHL arena’s capacities to witness low-importance hockey in July.
(Italics seemed appropriate in a case like this.)
Even Dan Byslma, Stanley Cup-winner, was taken aback as onlookers “jammed around the rink.”
WGRZ reports that Eichel said he wasn’t surprised when hundreds showed up for a development camp practice back on Monday, but this is a pretty impressive turnout by any measure.
Fans shared a few shots of the surprising atmosphere:
15K+ for Sabres scrimmage in July. Buffalo is Hockey Heaven. NHL's best fans! @BuffaloSabres #OneBuffalo #Eichel15 pic.twitter.com/lfp1ulj0sP
— Jim Kent (@kent_j23) July 11, 2015
@kevinrkennedy did an outstanding job with the anthems today at the Sabres scrimmage! pic.twitter.com/WeYiS5j8EW
— Joey Finley (@JoeFinley716) July 11, 2015
Wild stuff.