Several members of the Buffalo Sabres organization are in Sochi, Russia for the Winter Olympics, but not all will be playing hockey. The Sabres have loaned their vice president of public relations Mike Gilbert to Team USA. Gilbert is helping to service the media in Sochi.
Gilbert says he thinks fans in Buffalo are going to see a lot of Sabres goaltender Ryan Miller once the games start.
"He's very well regarded by Team USA. He's had a great year. I think we'll see a lot of him here over the next [several] days," Gilbert told WBFO News.
Team USA coach Dan Bylsma has not yet formally named his starter in goal, but he has given indications that Miller will be the man.
Along with Miller, Sabres defenseman Henrik Tallinder and goalie Jhonas Enroth are in Sochi to play for Team Sweden. Sabres interim coach Ted Nolan will be behind the bench for Team Latvia, which also includes Sabres center Zemgus Girgensons.
Gilbert says Upstate New York is well represented on Team USA, which along with Miller includes Buffalo native Patrick Kane, former Amherst resident Brooks Orpik, Ryan Callahan from Rochester, Jimmy Howard from Syracuse, and Dustin Brown from Ithaca.
Team USA's first game is Thursday against Slovakia.