The Albright-Knox hosted several hockey-themed events and exhibitions during the tenure of Director Louis Grachos, including three Hockey Nights during Gusto at the Gallery in 2006, 2007, and 2008, and the special exhibition Forty: The Sabres in the NHL in 2010–2011.
The inaugural Hockey Night, on September 29, 2006, featured an exhibition of hockey memorabilia from the Hockey Hall of Fame, including the Calder, Masterton, Vezina, Jennings, Pearson, and Hart Trophies; a film screening of D2: The Mighty Ducks (1994); an art activity where kids made prints using hockey pucks; and a tour around the museum making connections between hockey and artworks on view. Artist Carter Kustera was present and Buffalo Sabres players Rob Ray and Larry Playfair signed autographs for fans.
Buffalo Sabres players/alumni Rob Ray and Larry Playfair sign autographs during Hockey Night 2006. Photograph by Tom Loonan.
David Levinthal talks to visitors about his photographs during Hockey Night 2008. Photograph by Tom Loonan.
Visitors make prints using hockey pucks during Hockey Night 2008. Photograph by Tom Loonan.
A 300-pound replica of the Stanley Cup greeted visitors as they entered the museum during Hockey Night 2008. Photograph by Tom Loonan.
Guests check out the Stanley Cup in January 2011. Photograph by Tom Loonan.
During the third annual Hockey Night on January 11, 2008, a 300-pound replica of the Stanley Cup greeted visitors as they entered the museum. Inside, guests enjoyed an up-close view of the real Stanley Cup, spoke with artist David Levinthal about his photographs on view, and watched Schopp & The Bulldog of WGR 550 Sports Radio broadcast live from the Auditorium.
Several years later, in conjunction with the special exhibition Forty: The Sabres in the NHL, the Stanley Cup and other trophies from the Hockey Hall of Fame were on view from January 2 through January 5, 2011. Forty: The Sabres in the NHL was presented on the occasion of the Sabres' Fortieth Anniversary in the National Hockey League and was on view during the 2011 IIHF World Junior Championship, which took place in Buffalo.
