Danny Gare

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NHL draft 29th overall 1974

About Danny Gare

Danny Gare: A Buffalo Sabres Legend

When it comes to Buffalo sports history, few names stand out quite like Danny Gare. Born on May 14, 1954, in Nelson, British Columbia, Gare brought unmatched energy, leadership, and skill to the Buffalo Sabres. Known for his relentless drive, quick hands, and ice-cold determination, Danny Gare left a legacy that Sabres fans still celebrate today. From his debut goal just seconds into his first NHL game to his record-breaking seasons, Gare is nothing short of a Buffalo icon.

Making His Mark

After a stellar junior hockey career with the Calgary Centennials, where Gare tallied 127 points in his final season, he was drafted 29th overall by the Buffalo Sabres in the 1974 NHL Amateur Draft. Buffalo had struck gold.

Gare announced his arrival in the NHL in dramatic fashion. On October 10, 1974, in his very first game, he scored a goal just 18 seconds into the game against the Boston Bruins. This incredible moment set the tone for a career filled with clutch performances and dazzling skills.

During his rookie season (1974–75), Gare notched an impressive 31 goals and 62 points, helping propel the Sabres to their first-ever Stanley Cup Final. Although Buffalo fell short of winning the Cup, it was clear that the team had found something special in the young right winger.

Scoring Machine

Danny Gare’s offensive firepower made him one of the most exciting players of his era. He recorded back-to-back seasons with 50 or more goals, including an unforgettable 56-goal campaign in 1979–80, a season in which he tied for the league lead in goals. At a time when hitting the 50-goal mark was a rarity, Gare’s output cemented his reputation as one of the NHL’s most potent scorers.

Across nine memorable seasons with the Sabres, Gare scored 267 goals and 233 assists, totaling 500 points in just 503 games. He also recorded 10 hat tricks and 35 game-winning goals, ranking him near the top of the franchise’s all-time leaderboard in both categories.

Whether it was his deadly wrist shot or his ability to finish under pressure, Gare consistently provided Buffalo with the spark it needed to compete against the league’s best.

A Resilient and Beloved Leader

Gare wasn’t just a goal scorer—he was a fearless competitor and an inspiring leader. From 1977 to 1981, he served as the Sabres’ captain, anchoring the team not only with his offensive production but also with his tireless work ethic. Fans loved his scrappy, never-say-die style of play, which epitomized Buffalo’s blue-collar spirit.

Even as the team faced challenges, Gare’s determination never wavered. He played every shift as though the game was on the line, earning him the admiration of his teammates and the community. He was voted the Sabres’ Most Popular Player twice and earned the team’s MVP honors three times—a testament to his impact both on and off the ice.

Gare’s emotional departure to the Detroit Red Wings via trade in 1981 shocked Buffalo fans, who had grown to adore the fiery winger. Despite the move, his bond with the city and its fans remained unbreakable.

Legacy and Hall of Fame Honors

Danny Gare’s contributions to Buffalo Sabres history didn’t end with his playing days. He was inducted into the Buffalo Sabres Hall of Fame in 1994, affirming his place as one of the franchise’s all-time greats. And in 2005, his number 18 jersey was retired, joining an elite group that hangs proudly in the rafters of KeyBank Center.

To this day, Gare ranks fourth in franchise history in goals and remains one of the top performers in playoff scoring. His name continues to evoke a sense of pride and nostalgia among longtime Sabres fans, who remember the joy and excitement he brought to the ice.

Why Danny Gare is Still a Buffalo Icon

Danny Gare embodied everything Buffalonians love about their athletes. He worked hard, played harder, and gave 110 percent every night, often outmatching opponents much larger than himself. His fiery competitiveness and offensive brilliance helped put the Sabres on the map, inspiring a generation of hockey fans in the process.

Today, the memories of Gare ripping a shot into the back of the net or celebrating with his teammates endure as some of the most iconic moments in the franchise’s history. Whether it’s his leadership as captain, his unbelievable goal-scoring ability, or the heart he showed every time he laced up his skates, Danny Gare will forever be etched in Buffalo sports lore as one of the greats.

For fans old and new, his story serves as a reminder of what makes hockey—and Buffalo sports—so special. Danny Gare wasn’t just a player; he was a symbol of the passion and pride that defines the Sabres and their devoted community. They don’t make them like Danny anymore, and Buffalo wouldn’t have it any other way.