Toronto vs. Buffalo — KeyBank Center Showdown, December 2023
In December 2023, we found ourselves diving head-first into one of the greatest border-town rivalries in hockey: Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Buffalo Sabres at KeyBank Center. The draw was simple — my brother Chris came down from Toronto, both Serge and Chris grew up playing rec hockey (on the lake, in Quebec, and later Chris in the city), and we all stayed at the nearby Marriott at the Airport/KeyBank Center, attached to the arena.
We lucked into what felt like the perfect seats — right behind the Toronto box — which meant we weren’t exactly neutral … but that made everything richer, louder, more electric.
🎯 The Game — December 21, 2023
The night belonged to Buffalo. In a stunning turn, the Sabres roared to a 9–3 victory over the Leafs. Jeff Skinner led the way, with strong performances from Owen Power, Jordan Greenway, and others. The crowd — a mix of locals and traveling Leafs fans — was stunned. For once the border bragging rights belonged to Buffalo. ESPN.com+2KeyBank Center+2
That kind of blowout in a rivalry game? You don’t forget it. We high-fived. We cheered. We soaked in the chaos and the energy.
🧊 The Rivalry + What It Felt Like
The Leafs vs. Sabres rivalry is real. The two cities are just a drive and a bridge apart — and that proximity makes every matchup more than just a game. It's hometown calls, friendly jabs, bragging rights, and shared hockey roots. Wikipedia+1
For Chris and Serge, hockey isn’t just a sport — it’s a part of us. From childhood skates on frozen lake water to rec-league games later in life, the love for the game has always been there. Sitting behind the Leafs’ bench, surrounded by fans cheering every leaf-blue move, we felt the tension — but also the nostalgia and camaraderie.
👥 After the Final Whistle — Dinner, Laughter, Brotherhood
After the game, we all went out to dinner together. It wasn’t fancy. It wasn’t overly loud. But it was perfect. Pizza or burgers, maybe a drink or two, talking about every hit, every goal, every moment. Sharing stories of our own hockey days. Reconnecting not just as brothers and friends, but as hockey men again — laughing about past games on the ice or on the frozen lake.
🌟 What It Meant
This wasn’t just a night out — it was a bridge between childhood memories, family bonds, and the border rivalry that brings us together.
For me and Serge: a return to hockey roots, but now in a crowded arena under bright lights.
For Chris: a home-ice-territory night — but in enemy territory, with everyone watching.
For our group: a chance to celebrate brotherhood, friendship, and the old-school love for hockey, regardless of who wins.
It reminded me why I started the 1000 Adventures Project: not just for pretty places or quiet reflection, but for connection, memory, and life lived out loud.
