Lindy Ruff leaves legacy of leadership

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - Hours before he was fired as the Sabres head coach on Wednesday, Lindy Ruff motivated young high school hockey players participating in the year's Super Sunday Championships at the First Niagara Center.

"Give it your best effort and have a lot of fun with it," Ruff told the kids.

VIDEO | Watch full press conference where Sabres GM Darcy Regier officially announces Ruff's termination as head coach

Former Sabres Captain Danny Gare played with Ruff when Ruff was on the team in the late 70s. Speaking as his friend, Gare says Ruff has overcome family illnesses, like when his daughter underwent brain surgery back in 2006. Through it all, Ruff worked with charities like Camp Good Days, helping children whose lives have been touched by cancer.

"He just gives back; he knows this community is important to him," Gare said. "He's always had that soft side to him and I think that's commendable."

Ruff raised his four children in WNY, and his son plays for the Junior Sabres. However, Ruff's son opted not to play Wednesday night in what was the Junior Sabres last regular season home game after learning his father was fired.

PHOTOS | Take a look back at Lindy Ruff through his 16 years as the Sabres head coach

Ruff may stay in WNY, but not as the Sabres head coach.

"He's a classy guy, I wish him well but at the end of the day, he's been in Buffalo a long time and we really haven't seen that success that we're looking for so I think it was the right thing to do," said Sabres fan John Perry.