Dave & Adam’s Card World has purchased a slice of NHL history. The Buffalo-based company was the winning bidder in a recent auction for an original 1970 document awarding an National Hockey League franchise to the city.
Dated May 15, 1970, the one-page certificate granted the ‘Niagara Frontier Hockey Corporation’ an expansion team for the 1970-71 season. The team became known as the Buffalo Sabres.
The certificate is signed by Knox brothers, Seymour H. Knox III and Northrup Knox, who had applied for the franchise. It also carries the signature of the third President of the National Hockey League, Clarence S. Campbell. It originated with the Seymour Knox III estate.
The purchase price through Heritage Auctions’ November catalog, was a modest $2,040.
“This is truly a one of a kind collectible and is one of the most important pieces in all of Buffalo sports history, “ said Adam Martin, CEO and co-owner of Dave & Adam’s. “When we saw this come up for auction we felt an obligation to win it – we just couldn’t let this slip away and end up anywhere other than Western New York.”
Founded in 1991, Dave & Adam’s Card World includes an e-commerce store and retail locations in the Buffalo area.
Once framed, the certificate will go on display at the company’s Williamsville retail store.