The Fan Connection

A few years back, a work project brought me to the city of Buffalo, NY. Prior to this, I knew relatively little about the city. What I discovered was an aging, rust-belt city with a formerly robust commercial and industrial history that was, shall we say, past its prime. But it was the people I met there that impressed me the most and showed me their deep love of their hometown. This beautiful little film, "The Fan Connection," is a fitting and perfect love letter to those individuals and families that have never given up on Buffalo. Their love of their perennially underdog hockey team chronicled here is an endearing tribute to the never-say-die spirit of the region. The enduring optimism of the locals and their loyalty to the team is joyous and full of love and hope. This is a wonderful documentary that is about so much more than hockey!

Let me first start by saying I am not a Buffalo Sabres fan. I am a sports fan. Being from Chicago I'm a die-hard Cubs fan. Which is one reason I may have found this film so relatable. I connected with the people in this story. Their struggles with a team that doesn't always perform as well as you think they should. The excitement when they give you hope of playoffs and the disappointment when a game you need them to win they don't. The other thing I enjoyed about this film is yes it's about these fans' love of the team. But it's also about how this team brings together families and friends. It's also about the love for their city of Buffalo. Which plays a great role in this film. I loved learning a bit about the city. I didn't know much about Buffalo before this. I enjoyed getting to know about the fans that were highlighted in the film. We not only learn about their love for their team but also a bit about who they are. You don't need to be a fan of the Buffalo Sabres to enjoy this film. If you're a fan of any sport I think you'd enjoy watching this. It's a heartwarming story with a great group of characters.

This movie is a must see for anyone who has ever loved an underdog. It details the hopes of Sabres fans in their quest for the Cup, but these stories permeate far past Buffalo's boundaries. I laughed. I cried. I related to these people. You will, too. Watch this movie!

Seeing a community that's taken so many hits, yet still has the strength to rise for their sports team is a wonderful message for these days. The movie showed the grit of a steel town down on its luck with the optimism of fans who who love their team. The filmmakers clearly knew their subject and did a wonderful job bringing it to the screen.

As one who bleeds blue and gold this story is so relatable to Buffalo fans everywhere. Buffalo fans, no matter where they are on this planet do indeed share a connection. This film really shows the love the fans have for their hometown team.