The Buffalo Sabres are keeping NOCO in the fold, renewing a partnership that makes the Tonawanda-based company the team’s Official Natural Gas and Energy Supplier.
NOCO, a family-owned energy and home services company, has been working with the Sabres for more than five years. Under the updated deal, it will now serve as the presenting partner for the “Let’s Go Buffalo” drum beat before games at KeyBank Center.
“We’re incredibly appreciative of NOCO’s continued support of the Buffalo Sabres and are excited to extend a partnership that has grown even stronger over the past several years,” said Jake Vernon, Buffalo Sabres chief commercial officer. “It’s important for us to collaborate with partners that genuinely care about our community and the people who call it home. NOCO has demonstrated that commitment, and we’re excited to continue building with them.”
Michael Casciano, president of NOCO, called the relationship a natural fit for the city.
"NOCO and the Buffalo Sabres, that's a partnership built for this city,” said Michael Casciano, president of NOCO. “We're proud to renew this relationship and go all in with our fans for another season.
NOCO has been fueling Western New York for more than 90 years, and now we're fueling the energy inside KeyBank Center too. Western New York shows up loud for this team, and NOCO is proud to show up right alongside them.”
NOCO has been around since 1933 and provides residential and commercial services across Western New York. Its residential offerings include HVAC, generators, plumbing, insulation, geothermal and home energy assessments.
The company also supports the region through its NOCO Cares program, which directs funding to a range of Western New York charities.
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