BUFFALO SABRES 40TH ANNIVERSARY EXHIBIT
During the Buffalo Sabres 2010-2011 season, the team was looking to commemorate its first 40 years in the NHL. They reached out to local memorabilia collector Joseph E. Gambacorta, DDS, founder of the Buffalo Hockey Experience + Museum, and to OtherWisz Creative to discuss ways to celebrate this significant milestone with their fans. Together, we outlined the team’s story through 40 years of highlights starting with their inception in 1970 through to the 2008 Winter Classic. Each historic event was commemorated with short stories, archival photos and hockey memorabilia on loan from Dr. Gambacorta’s permanent collection. This installation was designed to occupy the two display cases on the second-floor mezzanine in HSBC Arena throughout the season.
Designing the Exhibit
The project began by researching memorable events from the team’s history and reviewing artifacts from Dr. Gambacorta’s collection. Once we determined the storyline, we developed small vignettes to highlight these moments, designing a presentation of vintage jerseys and sticks throughout the years. As the design developed, artifacts were included to illustrate the stories – ticket stubs, game programs, commemorative pennants and pucks, and equipment filled the space.
Designing the Exhibit
The project began by researching memorable events from the team’s history and reviewing artifacts from Dr. Gambacorta’s collection. Once we determined the storyline, we developed small vignettes to highlight these moments, designing a presentation of vintage jerseys and sticks throughout the years. As the design developed, artifacts were included to illustrate the stories – ticket stubs, game programs, commemorative pennants and pucks, and equipment filled the space.

1970s-style vintage banners announce the events such as the inaugural game in 1970, the 1978 All-Star Game, and the team’s two trips to the Stanley Cup Finals in 1975 and 1999. Matching ID cards and information panels complete out the layout, creating “talking points” to narrate the exhibit. Two custom-designed displays were included: 500 puck display to commemorate Gilbert Perrault’s 500th goal and a 70-puck column, color-coded by period, to illustrate goalie Dominic Hasek’s outstanding 70-save game on April 27, 1994.

Installing the Custom-Designed Exhibit
The canvas for the cases was a background of textured white acrylic panels distressed to simulate a well-skated rink. Custom risers add depth to the cases—the bases for each adjustable mannequin allowed for a flexible installation. Graphics and artifacts were installed onsite by the OtherWisz team using custom-designed mounts. All content was reviewed, adjusted and finalized just as the glass was dropped in, sealing and protecting the artifacts, including a priceless 1974 Tim Horton home jersey.

The exhibit opened for the first game of the 2010-2011 season. Fans were able to share their past hockey memories with their families each Sabres home game that season. The display was featured in The Buffalo News, during a Hockey Night in Canada broadcast, and on the Jumbotron during games to call attention to the team’s first 40 years.
Services
- Research & Evaluation
- Artifact Acquisition
- Copywriting
- Exhibit Design
- Graphic Design
- Exhibit Installation
- Research & Evaluation
- Artifact Acquisition
- Copywriting
- Exhibit Design
- Graphic Design
- Exhibit Installation
Awards
- 2011 American Graphic Design Award
OtherWisz Creative
- 19 Elm Street
Buffalo, NY 14203 - 716.882.3803
info@otherwisz.com