NIAGARA FALLS, NEW YORK (July 3, 2025) – A local charity supported by a former Buffalo Sabres captain was dealt a winning hand at a recent Celebrity Blackjack tournament at Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino.
Craig Rivet, a defenseman who played parts of three seasons with the Sabres, serving as the team’s captain throughout his tenure, won the charity event at the region’s premier gaming and entertainment resort destination over the weekend. His victory meant a $25,000 donation to Rivet’s selected charity, The Miracle League of Western New York. The league provides children with adaptive needs the opportunity to play baseball on a custom-designed field.
Rivet’s journey to victory in the tournament was a bit of a miracle itself. He won a wildcard spot at the final table. On the last hand, Rivet hit on his original two cards and came up with a winning hand of 21.
A total of 160 invited participants took part in the tournament, playing alongside 11 celebrities. In addition to Rivet, other celebrities who played in the special outing included: fellow Buffalo Sabres alumni Marty Biron, Patrick Kaleta and Rob Ray; Buffalo Bills linebacker Joe Andreessen and Bills alumni George Wilson; former NBA player Greg Oden; Buffalo Bandits Tehoka Nanticoke and Clay Scanlan; and local influencers Abby Nashwinter and Roderick Smith.
“What an incredible moment,” said Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino General Manager Joanne Israel. “The energy and atmosphere throughout the event were electric. We are so grateful that so many people and our roster of celebrities participated in this special tournament, and that, in the end, it was a very special group of local children who came out as the big winners.”
The Celebrity Blackjack tournament was the highlight of a sports-filled weekend at Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino. On Friday, the resort hosted a NHL Draft watch party, where dozens of guests watched the next generation of hockey superstars get their names called. They watched the draft’s first round alongside several former Buffalo Sabres players. Rivet and former Sabres forward Andrew Peters broadcast their popular “After the Whistle” podcast live from the party on the casino’s mezzanine.
On Saturday, Andreessen, Wilson and Scanlan were on hand to celebrate the official Grand Opening and ribbon cutting for 716 SportsWear, the exciting new retail outlet at Seneca Niagara that offers a dynamic selection of sports apparel celebrating Buffalo’s favorite teams, including official merchandise from the Bills, Sabres, Bandits, and more. The store features a unique and expansive lineup for every fan, with jerseys, hats, activewear, loungewear, and other apparel, such as beaded medallions and earrings, from brands including New Era, 26 Shirts and other trusted favorites, plus new styles. 716 SportsWear is open daily from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
“There was a game day atmosphere throughout the property all weekend,” Israel added. “Western New York sports fans are everywhere. It was easy to see why our fandom and enthusiasm are so legendary.”
For more information on everything taking place at Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino, visit SenecaNiagaraCasino.com.