What’s remarkable is how the Sabres have bounced back after enduring their low point in January 2003. That’s when the then-ownerless team declared bankruptcy before Golisano stepped in and rescued the franchise.

The Sabres are projected to enjoy a second straight profitable year, even though the team’s payroll ballooned to $44 million, about $14 million over last year.

“I wouldn’t use the word shocked,” said Daniel DiPofi, the Sabres chief operating officer. “I would say that it’s really exceeded what our expectations of growth were.”

Profits aside, Golisano senses the deeper impact the Sabres have made on the community.

“There’s no question that some parts of upstate New York, and Buffalo is included in that, has had an inferiority complex for a while,” Golisano said. “And to have this team emerge like it has, has been very, very good for the psyche of the area.”

Even Drew Celestino is a believer — well, for the most part.

A Sabres fan, Celestino launched a Web site last summer to protest the Sabres’ new logo, a swoosh of a buffalo head that detractors say resembles a flying slug. Celestino prefers the team’s original logo, a running buffalo above two crossed swords.

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He’s not convinced the new logo has raised the Sabres’ popularity.

“If the logo were a pink bunny, it would’ve sold millions just like the current logo,” Celestino said. “I don’t buy into the whole notion that people are just so gung-ho in love with the logo. They’re in love with the team and I certainly understand that and that’s great.”

Celestino doesn’t own anything with the new logo on it, but remains a die-hard fan and would grudgingly make one exception: Seeing the new logo on a Stanley Cup banner.

“I could certainly live with it,” Celestino said. “I bleed blue and gold. Just because I don’t like the logo doesn’t mean I’m not enjoying every single second of this season.”

Join the crowd.

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