Drafting NHL players is more of a science than an art, but the Buffalo Sabres will mix both this year.

The Sabres and the Albright-Knox Art Gallery are teaming to host an NHL Entry Draft Party on June 26 at the Elmwood Avenue museum. The free event, which also features free parking at Buffalo State College, will run from 3 to 10 p.m. The draft, being held in Montreal, will be

broadcast beginning at 7 p.m.

Sabres players will be in attendance to sign autographs, and the Sabres Store will conduct a sidewalk sale. Street hockey games will be set up for children in the gallery's front parking lot; players must bring their own sticks, and those 12-and-under need to wear a helmet. There also will be inflatable games and hockey-related crafts, along with an appearance by Sabretooth.

The two-day NHL draft will be held June 26-27, with the first round conducted the opening

night. The Sabres hold the 13th overall selection. They will have six picks on Day Two, with

none in the second round and two in the third.