This past weekend, I went to Buffalo to watch our boys in blue play the Buffalo Sabres at KeyBank Center. The atmosphere was not what you’d expect compared to Scotiabank Arena in Toronto.
Pregame
Heading into the arena, I didn’t expect a wide margin of Leafs fans making the same trip as me to watch the Buds. The arena was split almost 50/50 between both fanbases, as I saw tons of Auston Matthews jerseys alongside Tage Thompson sweaters. When each team scored, the crowd noise felt almost even, with the roars of the Leafs faithful balancing out the cheers of Sabres supporters.
What struck me the most was how different the overall vibe was compared to a Leafs home game. In Toronto, tickets are notoriously expensive, and the crowd often feels more corporate and quiet, especially during regular season games. In Buffalo, however, the energy was more authentic and mesmerizing. Fans were chirping at each other, chanting across sections, and living through every moment of the game. It felt more like a true hockey experience—loud, passionate, and unfiltered.
The trip down itself added to the excitement, as crossing the border and seeing waves of Leaf jerseys at rest stops made it feel like a pilgrimage. It’s something many fans in Southern Ontario have done for years, taking advantage of the cheaper ticket prices and short drive to see their team play just south of the border. You could sense the community among fans making the same journey, everyone bonded by that and shared love for the Leafs.
Once inside the arena, it was clear Buffalo embraces its hockey identity. The arena might not be as flashy as Scotiabank, but it has character. The concourses filled up with Sabres memorabilia, passionate locals, and, of course, plenty of Leafs. You would walk by one section hearing “Go Leafs Go” echoing through the hallways, met by a loud “Let’s Go Buffalo” moments later.
In-Game
Each team has a little hype-up video before every game that you see while in the arena. The Sabres did an excellent job with their video, as it really hyped up their roster, making them look like a very strong team heading into the game. The game itself was also an emotional roller coaster. It was back and forth throughout the first period. Ultimately, Buffalo took a two-goal lead in the second; the Leafs made it close, coming within one in the third, but the Sabres capitalized on a Leafs error and got the insurance marker shorthanded.
During intermissions, I noticed how friendly most people were despite the rivalry. There wasn’t any hatred at all, as fans mingled and traded jokes and even shared beers. There’s still a rivalry for sure, but it’s one built on proximity rather than hatred. In many ways, Buffalo felt like a family reunion, just one where everyone was wearing different jerseys. The hospitality in Buffalo really showed through, which made the whole experience even better.
One thing I couldn’t help but think about was how Leafs fans are perceived when they play on the road. They are often seen as the villains because of their massive fan base, and that was evident here, trying to take over the Sabres stadium. One Buffalo fan said, “You guys always try to take over our arena.” Every time Toronto scored, you could feel half the building celebrating and the other half groaning. It created a fascinating atmosphere where you really get a typical NHL game. It wasn’t hostile, but balanced; almost like two home teams sharing one arena.
Postgame
Leaving the arena after the final horn, I felt grateful to have made the trip. It reminded me why hockey holds such a special place in the hearts of Canadians and Americans alike. The cross-border rivalry may not be as heated as some others in the league, but it carries a charm and a unique experience for these two cities.
Watching the Leafs in Buffalo isn’t just about the game; it’s about the shared experience. The travel and energy added with the mixes of fans add up to something memorable. For anyone who hasn’t done it before, I highly recommend it. It’s the perfect mix of adventure, fandom, and pure hockey culture
By the time I got back to Toronto, I realized how different it feels to see them outside of their home bubble. In Buffalo, you see the Leafs in a new light. Still beloved, still frustrating at times, but undeniably our team. For one night, surrounded by fans on both sides of the border, it truly felt like the heart of hockey was beating in Buffalo.
