The Buffalo Sabres announced on Tuesday the hiring of Jake Vernon as the club’s Chief Commercial Officer. Vernon joins the Sabres after spending the last 12 seasons with the Minnesota Timberwolves and Minnesota Lynx, where he led all initiatives related to ticketing, membership service, premium sales, fan experience, and group events, in addition to the team’s partnership with its concessions partner.

“Jake has extensive experience in the sports industry and has been thriving in an arena model for the last two decades. I’m excited to see what he can add to our organization as we continue to strive to provide an incredible experience for our great fans.” Sabres COO Pete Guelli said in a press release.

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Skinner Finally Gets To The Postseason

Veteran winger Jeff Skinner, after 15 seasons of not making the playoffs, finally got a taste of the postseason on Tuesday with the Edmonton Oilers. It was not an auspicious debut for the 32-year-old, who was on the ice for three straight LA Kings goals, but he did register an assist on Mattias Janmark’s goal early in the third period that helped spark the Oilers late comeback.

After Connor McDavid tied the game late in the third, the Kings' Phillip Danault scored the game-winner with 42 seconds left to give Los Angeles a 6-5 victory in Game 1.

Ex-Sabres In The Playoffs:

Erik Johnson (COL), -1, 15:38 TOI, 3 SOG, two blocked shots

Joel Armia (MTL) 14:24 TOI, 2 SOG

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