BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Former Buffalo Sabres captain Michael Peca was hired as the new general manager of the Buffalo Junior Sabres on Thursday.

The 37-year-old Peca, who became a fan favorite in his five years with the Sabres, will be in charge of scouting the local hockey talent pool and building the junior hockey program that has been in existence since 1975.

Buffalo Sabres Alumni Association and Junior Sabres president Larry Playfair made the announcement. The Sabres Alumni Association operates the team.

Former Sabres defenseman Grant Ledyard is the coach of the club, and former right winger Ric Seiling was hired Thursday as the new play-by-play announcer for the games that are streamed live online.

The Junior Sabres play in the Ontario Junior Hockey League and have helped develop NHL players such as Brian Gionta, Todd Marchant and Ryan Callahan.