CaptPantalones

The Optimistic side, NY • United States • 27 Years Old • Male

End of an Era: Sabres Lorentz retiring

In an offseason full of goodbye's for the Buffalo Sabres, this one may be the most shocking.

The team announced today that Jim Lorentz, the Sabres color commentator for the past 26 seasons, is retiring, effective immediately. Lorentz cited an "unwillingess to spend another season traveling with the team" as the reason for his retirement.

Lorentz joined the broadcast team in 1980 after a stellar NHL career with the Sabres, St. Louis Blues, New York Rangers, and the Boston Bruins, where he was a member of their 1970 Stanley Cup championship team. Lorentz provided the color for some of the greatest moments in team history, while sharing the broadcast booth with Hall of Famer Ted Darling and future Hall of Famer Rick Jeannerett. Lorentz spent 26 years on TV, while also serving as the teams radio analyst since 1996.

While no replacement has been named as of yet, three former Sabres will try their hand at Lorentz's job to finish out the preseason. Former tough guy Matthew Barnaby will handle tomorrow nights game in Toronto, while John Tucker will join Rick in the booth Friday night in Pittsburgh. Former color man and current "Shootout" analyst Mike Robitaille will color Saturday nights rematch against the Pens at HSBC Arena.

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