- link Copy URL - [ Share on X ](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=KeyBank and Buffalo Sabres Bring Playoff Energy to the Community Through HocKey Assists Pep Rallies https://www.3blmedia.com/markdownify/node/1312406?absolute=1&via=3blnews "Share on X") - [ Share on linkedin ](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://www.3blmedia.com/markdownify/node/1312406?absolute=1 "Share on Linkedin") - [ Share on facebook ](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://www.3blmedia.com/markdownify/node/1312406?absolute=1 "Share on Facebook") - [ email Share via email ](mailto:?subject=KeyBank and Buffalo Sabres Bring Playoff Energy to the Community Through HocKey Assists Pep Rallies&body=ESG News from KeyBank https://www.3blmedia.com/markdownify/node/1312406?absolute=1 "Share via email") [Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives](/CSR-News/philanthropy-cause-initiatives) # KeyBank and Buffalo Sabres Bring Playoff Energy to the Community Through HocKey Assists Pep Rallies Apr 22, 2026 9:00 AM ET Campaign: [KeyBank's Community Investment](/news/campaign/keybanks-community-investment) ![ KeyBank and Sabres Pep rally.](/sites/default/files/2026-04/Sabres%20Playoff%20Pep%20Rallies_GiGis_3BL_KeyBank_4.21.26-adj2.jpg) ▶ Video As the official bank of the [Buffalo Sabres](https://www.nhl.com/sabres/news/buffalo-sabres-2026-playoffs-partners-watch-party-plaza-giveaways), [KeyBank](https://www.key.com/personal/index.html) partnered with the team to host three community playoff pep rallies celebrating the team’s first playoff appearance in 14 years. Through the HocKey Assists program, Sabres alumni, Sabretooth, and KeyBank and Sabres teammates visited [Best Buddies](https://www.bestbuddiesfriendshipwalk.org/buffalo/), [The Resource Council of WNY](https://rcwny.org/), and [GiGi’s Playhouse](https://gigisplayhouse.org/buffalo/) to bring the excitement of playoff hockey directly to children and families across Western New York. Each stop featured mini pep rallies, exclusive Sabres playoff giveaways, and opportunities for kids and families to interact with Sabres alumni who were part of the team’s last playoff run. Participants joined in on chants, games, and activities designed to make playoff excitement accessible and inclusive for everyone. For KeyBank, these pep rallies reflected the heart of HocKey Assists: using the power of partnership to meet people where they are and create experiences that feel personal, inclusive, and uplifting. By bringing the playoff moment directly into nonprofit spaces, the program helped ensure that the city’s excitement was something everyone could take part in. KeyBank is proud to stand alongside the Buffalo Sabres and our dedicated nonprofit partners through HocKey Assists, using the energy of the playoffs to connect, celebrate, and give back across Western New York. As the city rallies around our home team, KeyBank is honored to help share this historic moment with the communities that make Buffalo such a special place to call home. - [Learn more about KeyBank’s longstanding partnership with the Buffalo Sabres and commitment to the Western New York region.](https://investor.key.com/press-releases/news-details/2025/KEYBANK-AND-THE-BUFFALO-SABRES-ANNOUNCE-10-YEAR-EXTENSION-OF-ARENA-NAMING-RIGHTS-DEAL/default.aspx) ![Someone holding up a "we're back" banner](https://3blaws.s3.amazonaws.com/inline-images/buffalo-sabres-bring-playoff-energy_KEYBANK_042126A_0.jpg) ![Sabres mascot visiting kids](https://3blaws.s3.amazonaws.com/inline-images/playoff-energy_KEYBANK_042126B.jpg) ![Four people standing together, one holding up a "we're back" banner](https://3blaws.s3.amazonaws.com/inline-images/playoff-energy_KEYBANK_042126C.jpg) ![A group holding up "we're back" banners, alongside Sabres mascot](https://3blaws.s3.amazonaws.com/inline-images/playoff-energy_KEYBANK_042126D.jpg) ![A larger group posing with "we're back" banners in front of a mural that says "Welcome to THE PACK"](https://3blaws.s3.amazonaws.com/inline-images/playoff-energy_KEYBANK_042126E.jpg) ![Four people posing with mascot](https://3blaws.s3.amazonaws.com/inline-images/playoff-energy_KEYBANK_042126F.jpg) ![3 people standing together](https://3blaws.s3.amazonaws.com/inline-images/playoff-energy_KEYBANK_042126G.jpg) ![A fan high-fiving Sabres mascot](https://3blaws.s3.amazonaws.com/inline-images/playoff-energy_KEYBANK_042126H.jpg) ![Playing hockey indoors](https://3blaws.s3.amazonaws.com/inline-images/playoff-energy_KEYBANK_042126I.jpg) ![Sabres mascot playing hocket](https://3blaws.s3.amazonaws.com/inline-images/playoff-energy_KEYBANK_042126J.jpg) [![KeyBank Logo](/sites/default/files/Clients/Screen_Shot_2016-05-13_at_10.27.28_AM.png)](/profiles/keybank) ### More from KeyBank ###### [Key4Women and Key Private Bank Host Free Webinar – Positioned for Growth: Lending & Access to Capital](/news/key4women-and-key-private-bank-host-free-webinar-positioned-growth-lending-access-capital) Apr 20, 2026 9:00 AM ET ###### [KeyBank Survey: Americans Reimagine the Path to Home Ownership in 2026](/news/keybank-survey-americans-reimagine-path-home-ownership-2026) Apr 13, 2026 9:00 AM ET ###### [KeyBank Foundation Invests $225,000 To Preserve Affordable Housing in Toledo’s Old South End](/news/keybank-foundation-invests-preserve-affordable-housing-toledos-old-south-end) Apr 10, 2026 9:00 AM ET ###### [KeyBank Foundation Supports EMMA and Beechwood Businesses with $300,000 Investment in Connected Communities](/news/keybank-foundation-supports-emma-and-beechwood-businesses-300000-investment-connected) Apr 8, 2026 2:00 PM ET ###### [KeyBank Teammates Take the Field for Cleveland Guardians Home Opener](/news/keybank-teammates-take-field-cleveland-guardians-home-opener) Apr 8, 2026 9:00 AM ET ###### [Americans Respond to Financial Pressures With Smarter Spending and Increased Saving, New KeyBank Pulse Poll Finds](/news/americans-respond-financial-pressures-smarter-spending-and-increased-saving-new-keybank-pulse) Apr 6, 2026 9:00 AM ET ###### [KeyBank Foundation Awards $200,000 to Capital for Change To Expand Affordable Housing and Community Development in Connecticut](/news/keybank-foundation-awards-200000-capital-change-expand-affordable-housing-and-community) Apr 2, 2026 9:00 AM ET ###### [Northeast Ohio Business Owner Avoids $5,000 Loss Thanks to KeyBank Fraud-Prevention Program](/news/northeast-ohio-business-owner-avoids-5000-loss-thanks-keybank-fraud-prevention-program) Mar 31, 2026 9:00 AM ET