Back in September of 2002, when I started covering the Sabres, they held training camp in St. Catharines, Ontario. After the opening practice, I asked a local how to get on the highway. He said, “You don’t want to take that crazy bridge,” referring to the towering Garden City Skyway, and pointed toward a different route.

Soon, I was winding through the vineyards of Niagara-on-the-Lake, staring at the majesty of Niagara Falls and pausing for dinner. That was way better than the mundane highway. It ended up showing me that the most memorable stories and experiences aren’t always the ones right in front of you.

I’ve found that to be especially true over the last 16 seasons I’ve spent writing about the Sabres. It’s great to tell the story of how the goaltender is finding success, but it’s much more fun to learn why he has a pride flag on his mask. It’s important to explain how film clips are helping the team score, but it’s amazing to meet the video coach with dwarfism who has inspired people on his way to the NHL.

Those are the stories The Athletic craves, and those are the ones I’m proud to bring to readers.

As a subscriber to The Athletic since September, I truly believe it has the greatest collection of writers on the planet. And the best part is that readers get them all.

In addition to in-depth coverage of the Sabres and Bills, there’s access to Pierre LeBrun, Michael Russo and the wealth of NHL knowledge from accomplished writers across North America. Baseball fans in Buffalo can read Jayson Stark, Ken Rosenthal and the top reporters for the Yankees, Red Sox, Indians and Blue Jays. I haven’t felt this close to the San Francisco Giants since Barry Bonds hit a batting-practice homer into my hands.

The goal of The Athletic is to go beyond the box score. It’s done with the reader in mind. It seemed like the perfect place to land.

I’m not alone. Kris Baker, who knows the Sabres’ prospects better than anyone, is onboard to keep you informed about the future players. Analytics are a huge part of hockey, and Ryan Stimson, who co-hosts and speaks at analytic conferences, will give context to the Sabres’ numbers.

A Buffalo site wouldn’t be complete without the Bills. Matthew Fairburn has quickly risen to prominence at One Bills Drive, and he’s determined to deliver the best information in the most interesting fashion. And Tim Graham will provide his award-winning, thought-provoking coverage for both teams.

Buffalo fans want excellence from their teams. The Athletic Buffalo is committed to providing that with its writing. Baker and I grew up in the same neighborhood playing street hockey together. Graham and I have shared more stories and great times than we can count. (This is the ideal time to point out that a month of The Athletic costs less than a pint of your favorite lager or IPA.)

Old friends or new, the writers at The Athletic Buffalo are passionate about providing the best stories in town. It’d be an honor if you joined us.

This ride, like the one I took 16 years ago, will be a memorable one.

If you haven’t subscribed yet, join now with this special 40% off link: theathletic.com/welcome

(Photo by Scott Audette/NHLI via Getty Images)