Something is happening behind the scenes in Buffalo—a quiet but potentially game-changing move that might change the Sabres’ entire player development plan. As the team strives to rebuild and recalibrate both on the ice and in the front office, a key character has recently joined the fold—someone with a track record of developing raw potential into elite athletes and driving championship runs from the shadows.
The Buffalo Sabres officially announced an impeccable addition as the organization’s new Director of Performance. He steps into the role following a successful six-year stint with USA Hockey, where he most recently served as the Director of Sports Science for the U.S. National Team Development Program (NTDP).
Currently, He is in Denmark serving as the performance coach for the U.S. Men’s National Team during the 2025 IIHF World Championship. His appointment reflects the Sabres’ ongoing effort to bolster their hockey operations and player development infrastructure this offseason.
General Manager Kevyn Adams spoke highly of Brian Galivan’s impact on the hockey community, praising his expertise and long-standing contributions to player development at every level of the sport.
“Brian has built a strong reputation as a trusted advisor and elite performance coach for players across the hockey spectrum, from junior leagues all the way up to the NHL,” Adams said. “As we make strategic changes throughout our organization, adding someone with Brian’s track record, knowledge, and passion for high-performance training is a significant step forward.”
Widely regarded as one of the top strength and conditioning experts in the hockey world, Galivan has made a name for himself through his forward-thinking approach to sports science. During his tenure with the NTDP, he played a pivotal role in preparing athletes for the highest levels of competition, contributing to three gold medal runs with the U.S. World Junior teams in 2021, 2024, and 2025.
“I’m honored to be joining the Buffalo Sabres and look forward to bringing my experience and passion to this incredible organization,” Galivan shared. “Establishing the sports science framework at the NTDP and helping shape the performance culture there has been one of the most fulfilling chapters of my career so far.”
Beyond his national team work, Galivan is the founder and owner of GVN Performance, a premier sports performance company that has expanded to four training locations. GVN Performance has become a go-to destination for elite athletes, including professional and Olympic-level talent, looking to elevate their physical conditioning and game readiness.
Galivan’s impact is expected to be far-reaching in Buffalo, particularly in areas like injury rehabilitation, long-term athlete development, and maximizing the potential of younger players within the Sabres’ system. While at the NTDP, Galivan worked with 84 athletes, 32 of whom were selected in the NHL Draft—a testament to his effectiveness and influence in developing future stars.
This hiring is viewed as another strategic move by the Sabres as they continue restructuring their front office and staff in pursuit of sustained success. Galivan brings a unique blend of expertise, innovation, and proven results that could quietly become one of the most important additions to the organization this year.
If he brings the same level of impact to Buffalo as he did on the national stage, Galivan could play a key role in accelerating the Sabres’ return to prominence.
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