Tales of the Sabres

True Buffalo Sabres fans don’t need to read about the history of the team because most of them have lived it. But there are many interesting and funny behind-the-scenes stories about some of the Sabres most beloved and infamous players and coaches that many fans may have never heard.

Paul Wieland’s new book, “Then Perreault Said to Rico … The Best Buffalo Sabres Stories Ever Told,” delves into some of the most memorable stories about favorite players, coaches and cherished games throughout the Sabres history. The book also comes with an exclusive audio CD that features rare play-by-play action and interviews with Sabres greats.

Wieland, who now teaches in the Jandoli School of Journalism at St. Bonaventure University, joined the Sabres in the first few months of the new franchise in 1970 and spent more than 25 years there as public relations director, communications director and executive producer of television sports for the Sabres cable network and for a TV station owned by the hockey team. He also served as a practice goalie for many years.

“Then Perreault Said to Rico … ” includes stories such as:

• The story behind Gilbert Perreault’s rookie goal-scoring record

• The transition from Memorial Auditorium to HSBC Arena

• The 1999 team that made it to the Stanley Cup finals

• The legend that was Taro Tsujimoto

• Behind the scenes with popular head coach and hockey legend Scotty Bowman

• The beer drinkers of professional hockey

Whether you’re a fan of the Bowman era or the Lindy Ruff era, or you just want to learn a few new tidbits about the Sabres, “Then Perreault Said to Rico” has something for everyone.

Wieland both heard and witnessed countless stories during his more than 25-year career with the Sabres organization. He waded through decades of heroics and hijinks to highlight some of the all-time greatest tales from the most memorable figures to take the ice in Buffalo.

Wieland signed books in the SBU Bookstore Thursday afternoon. He is now working on a satirical novel about the pro sports business.