Buffalo, NY – Robert O. Swados, one of the principals involved in bringing NHL hockey to Buffalo, passed away on Friday. He was 93 years old.
"Bob Swados was one of the founding members of the Buffalo Sabres ownership group 42 years ago. He was an integral part of the Knox brothers' successful acquisition of the franchise and was an important member of the front office for over 30 years," said current Sabres owner Terry Pegula in a statement. "He was still involved with the organization, serving as the president of the Buffalo Sabres Hall of Fame. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Swados family."
Swados, along with the Knox Brothers -- Seymour and Northrup -- saw his efforts rewarded when the Sabres were admitted as an expansion team for the 1970-71 season.
The Buffalo native was involved with nearly every level of the franchise for its entire history, and at the time of his passing, served as chairman of the club's Hall of Fame Committee.
According to the Buffalo News, Swados also acted as secretary to the NHL's board of governors and of the league's special counsel for nearly two decades.
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