The sudden departure of long-time color analyst Jim Lorentz sent shock waves through the Sabres organization last week. After 26 years of serving as a member of the broadcast team, Lorentz walked away, citing his unwillingness to participate in what he deemed “a grueling travel schedule.”

Through a Sabres release, Lorentz stated, “My long association with the Buffalo Sabres was nothing but positive and I was fortunate to retire from the game as a player but be able to stay involved as a broadcaster.”

This revelation left the team scrambling to find Lorentz’ replacement, and fill-ins were immediately called in to work with play by play announcer Rick Jeanneret in the booth. Former Sabres Matthew Barnaby and John Tucker were called in to assist, with intermission analyst Mike Robitaille in the color chair this past Saturday.

It didn’t take long for the organization to name Lorentz’ replacement. Harry Neale, the longtime color commentator on CBC’s Hockey Night in Canada telecasts, was officially designated this week to be the new color analyst for the Buffalo Sabres. Neale will still maintain his relationship with CBC, where he has been paired up with announcer Bob Cole for over two decades, although on a reduced schedule. Where there is a conflict, the Sabres will bring in Mike Robitaille to work with Jeanneret.

The Sabres could not have come up with a better choice: Neale maintains his home in the Buffalo area, has ties to the community and brings a wealth of experience and a good voice to the Sabres telecasts. Buffalo hockey fans who watch Hockey Night in Canada (and that means just about everybody) are very familiar with Neale and the good work he does.

Here at Artvoice we were somewhat surprised at the speed in which the Sabres organization designated a new color analyst, thinking this would take some time. We were hard at work all weekend long, with tongue in cheek, coming up with a list of suitable candidates. We present them nonetheless for consideration, just in case Harry Neale changes his mind…

Mary Kunz Goldman, “The Buzz,” Buffalo News—Mixing hockey talk along with stories about the Catholic Church, booze and yard sales should make for some controversy. Admit it, we’d all tune in just to hear her next outrageous take.

Bruce Garrioch, hockey writer, Ottawa Sun—Garrioch made his MSG debut last February as an intermission guest, and in record time totally insulted the city of Buffalo, the Sabres organization and owner Tom Golisano. Could you see him game in and game out taking a total dump on our team?

Paul Clark, West Seneca Supervisor—Clark will be job hunting in a couple months. It would be cool watching him draw up plays on the TV screen, using his 89 cent telestrator pen.

John Murphy, former Channel 7 sports anchor —We throw his name in the mix only because he too is looking for work. Not available on Sundays.

Bucky Gleason, hockey writer, Buffalo News—The most knowledgeable member of the Buffalo media corps might be a good addition, except that every time Jeanneret would engage Gleason in dialogue, the reply might be “Maybe I know something you don’t.”

Nicholas Picholas, former Sabres game night host—Come on now, Picholas really isn’t that bad a guy. And if viewers disagree, they are free to boo their TV sets during the telecasts.

Stu Boyar, Channel 2 utility anchor—Sports Extra… gone. Boyar on weekends…reduced to minimal face time. Too good of a sportscaster to let his talents go to waste. What funny stuff is the program director at Channel 2 smoking?

Jeff Russo, Channel 7 sports anchor—He better be careful, he may be the next to be whacked, replaced by a giant stuffed animal in the anchor chair and a scrolling sports ticker.

Mark Jeanneret, Erie Otters—Of course, there will be complaint letters on this one. “Dear Sabres, Family connections and nepotism should have no bearing on filling such an important job. Sincerely, Joe Buck, Steve Albert and Thom Brennaman.”

Howard Simon, WGR Radio—This is predicated, of course, on Simon being available, since we assume they have been talking him off of the ledge following the epic collapse of his beloved New York Mets.

Martin Biron, former Sabre—Would Jeanneret get in a single word if Marty was up in the booth with him?

TARO SEZ: Season Opener edition

■ The “official” debut of the Sabres new HD scoreboard takes place, and judging from fan feedback following last Saturday’s dry run, the team’s new TV set should be a big hit.

■ Nobody attending Friday’s opener against the New York Islanders traveled farther than superfan Chris Boyes, coming all the way from Wakefield in the United Kingdom. Boyes, his wife Carolyn and nine-year-old twins Zoe and Jack are spending the week here to enjoy our local attractions, and attend the Sabres opener and the Bills game on Monday night at Ralph Wilson Stadium.

■ “Party In the Plaza” starts at 4:30pm with live music from the Tommy Z band. Food and drink available and big screen to watch the game. Forecast warm and clear. Where else would you rather be?