BUFFALO, NY - The trials and tribulations of sports teams can put any fan's commitment to the test, but something is different in Buffalo.
That's why director and producer Mary Wall decided to make a documentary that follows 12 Western New York Sabres fans through four hockey seasons, and four years of their lives.
"It's something that I think everyone in Buffalo can appreciate," says Wells. "It's people who really rely on their sports teams for entertainment, for escape."
In this film, the Sabres mean more than just a win or loss. It's a way to stay connected.
Chris was a season ticket holder. His wife Renee decided to hold on to them even after he passed away, for their daughter's benefit. "My desire was that I would raise her to understand as much as I could possibly share with her about hockey."
Hannah was seven when her dad passed away from a sudden illness. She's 16 now and holds on to vague memories.
"When I was younger, I really enjoyed hearing about the Sabres and talking with my dad about them," says Hannah. "I loved going to the games."
The Sabres are something this mom and daughter have in common, and it's helped them become closer, too.
There's something to be said for facing a challenge, whether that's not having gotten a Cup for Sabres yet or something a little more real life-relatable, like losing a loved one.
For high schooler Patrick Veltri, the four years in which Mary followed him meant capturing puberty on camera, but above and beyond that challenge, Patrick was also working on needing his parents less, something harder for him than the average teen because he's wheelchair bound.
"I think that was one of my main challenges, addressing me becoming more independent on my own," he said.
Patrick has poured his heart into the Sabres and considers himself one of the team's biggest fans.
So we asked him what's harder emotionally: Dealing with an unexpected complication of having muscular dystrophy, or swallowing a tough Sabres loss?
"If it's a tough loss … it's kind of hard to take that because they kind of go hand in hand. Coming to school that next day, maybe I'm real happy because the Sabres won last night, and that's going to motivate me to wake up in the morning. But if they lost, maybe it's a little harder to get out of bed in the morning."
Twelve fans altogether share their life stories in this documentary. Mary say she's hopes it speaks to many more. "It's really … Buffalo's movie."
