Sabres Announce First Annual Prospect Cup
September 2 2005 (Buffalo News) -
Buffalo Sabres GM Matthew Bosela announced today that the club would be instituting a new competition for unsigned Sabres prospects called the Prospect Cup, to be held at the start of training camp every year.
"Every team is looking for an excuse to see all of its talent take part in competition", Bosela indicated. "It's difficult to get the young kids playing time when you have over fifty guys showing up for training camp. Preseason games are usually reserved for guys under contract and I really wanted to have the ability to see some of our unsigned, younger prospects in action."
"This gives us that opportunity."
Bosela would go on to announce the opponents in the 2005 competition, headlined by the 2005 NCAA Men's Champions from the University of Denver. Also participating will be the University of Minnesota and the U.S. National Development Program.
"We're truly blessed to have three incredibly talented teams taking part in this friendly competition", Bosela enthused. "Since NCAA players aren't able to attend professional training camps, this tournament will give us a chance to see our recent draft pick Chris Butler in action. Sabres fans will also be floored by the talent on the University of Minnesota team, led by 17 year old superprospect Phil Kessel. The club that nurtured Kessel, the NDTP, will also take part in the event."
"We've received replies from every single unsigned Sabres prospect and with one exception, all accepted the invitations to our 2005 training camp. We look forward to looking at our future Sabres in action in the same arena."
Bosela would not indicate the player who declined the invitation.
The Prospect Cup will kick off on Friday September the 9th. Tickets will go on sale Saturday September 3rd.