VOL 27 ISSUE 26, July 6, 2026
The 2026 NHL Draft came to Buffalo’s KeyBank Center June 26-27 , marking the league’s first-ever decentralized arena draft – and Delaware North played an integral role in several ways.
Hosted at the home of the Buffalo Sabres, where Sportservice serves as hospitality partner, the event welcomed more than 110 top prospects and their families, along with over 225 media representatives from around the world and thousands of fans. Throughout the two-day event, Delaware North’s teams across several Buffalo locations delivered exceptional hospitality, ensuring every guest enjoyed a memorable experience.
On Friday, Sportservice kicked off the day with the NHL Commissioners Breakfast, serving a high-end, station-style breakfast for 150 guests. The menu featured eggs Benedict, steak and eggs, waffles and an assortment of pastries, along with two signature welcome drinks – caramel macchiatos and watermelon-mint refreshers – each served with an ice cube etched with the NHL Draft logo.
Sportservice hosted the pre-event Plaza Party on Friday, where draft prospects walked the red carpet. Approximately 7,000 fans attended the draft that evening. Most of the premium managers logged about 40,000 steps on Friday alone.
In addition, Sportservice served approximately 1,000 people backstage, including members of the media, NHL personnel and club staff. Friday’s service included lunch and dinner, while Saturday featured breakfast and lunch, with both days featuring all-day snacks, beverages and post-event meals.
Saturday was geared more toward fans and families, with activities taking place both inside and outside the arena. Approximately 3,000 people attended throughout the day.
The Westin Buffalo and Patina 250, both located at corporate headquarters, welcomed NHL executives and media covering the draft, in addition to fans and prospects in town.
Patina 250 also hosted and catered several events in the Westin Courtyard and ballroom for NHL executives and media.
