Buffalo Sabres Reveal Recipient of 2024 J. Michael Duffett Memorial Award

The Buffalo Sabres have announced that Joe Leber has been named the recipient of the 2024 J. Michael Duffett Memorial Award. This award is given each year to a coach who demonstrates exceptional contributions to amateur hockey in Western New York, with a focus on knowledge, teaching, love of the game, and gentle humanity. Leber will officially accept the award at tonight’s Sabres game against the Ottawa Senators.

Leber has been actively involved in the Western New York hockey community as a coach for an impressive 29 years. He began his coaching career in 1995-96 as an assistant coach with the North Buffalo Thunder Cats AA team. Currently, Leber serves as the head coach for several teams, including the Power City Bruins AA, Pee-Wee Major Buffalo Bisons AA, and Buffalo Regals AAA 2017’s SCTA Developmental Team.

The J. Michael Duffett Memorial Award is a prestigious honor established by the Sabres in 1984 in memory of J. Michael Duffett. Duffett, who was a standout player at Nichols School and Clarkson University, tragically passed away following a battle with cancer. At the time of his death, he was working in the Sabres’ hockey department under the guidance of Scotty Bowman and Roger Neilson. The award serves as a tribute to Duffett’s passion and commitment to the game of hockey.