BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — For almost a decade, Sabres fans have had their hopes dashed, with the team failing to make the play-offs — and now, many of them are at their breaking points.
"We were told hockey heaven and Stanley Cups, [but they're] having trouble making the playoffs," said Bret Simpson.
"What do we got to do? What do we got to say let the Pegula's know that we're frustrated?" said Chris Durick.
Those are a few of the reasons fans gathered at the Alumni Plaza Saturday morning.
They said they were tired of losing, and tired of the way the team's managed.
"They've neglected the team for nine years. Terry Pegula hasn't showed up in public behind the microphone for the news - for anybody - to talk about the Sabres in three years since we hired Jason Botterill," said Peter Tripi, who organized Saturday's protest. "What's been going on - it's sad, it's disappointing, and the worst part about it is that management refuses to acknowledge the fans and how upset that we are."
Some of the fans said they have nothing against the Pegula's, but want better management of the team.
"We love the Pegula's and we love our Sabres, but we want a winning team. So for me that's the main reason of being out here," said Simpson. "I'm tired of ten years of not making the playoffs."
"We want a better team and we want success because it's been forever. It's been nine years. Nine long years," said Kevin Coughlin Jr.
"We just want to have fun. We just want a fun hockey team. Is that too much to ask?" said Tripi.
Fans said they hope the Pegula's will listen to what they have to say.
We've reached out to the Sabres for a comment but have not heard back.
