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Section: Life & Leisure
Mike Robitaille: Telling it like it is to Buffalo
By Christopher Schobert
Former Buffalo Sabres defenseman, current Sabres commentator, TV spokesperson, frequent talk radio guest, husband, father, grandfather — Mike Robitaille wears many hats. He’s also one of Western New York’s most interesting and beloved personalities, an example of a professional athlete who came to the area to play, loved what he saw, and made it home. His wife, Isabel, is president and chief executive officer of Robitaille Real Estate, and he works as vice president of the Williamsville-based business. Hockey remains one of his favorite subjects, but Robitaille is just as comfortable talking about why he enjoys living and working here, senior issues, his family and more.
Christopher Schobert: Realistically, what are your expectations for the Sabres in the playoffs?
Mike Robitaille: Here’s an honest answer: I would expect them to win the Stanley Cup, because I believe they’re the best team in the National Hockey League. But, in all reality, it would be pretty wrong-headed to think that they couldn’t lose in the first round. Goaltenders can go south on you, the other goaltender can play over his head, pucks go in off the post, yours hit the post and go out, there are injuries, psychological things can happen. But the Sabres are a pretty tight group.
CS: What’s the biggest disappointment for Buffalo this season, and what’s the biggest highlight?
MR: The biggest disappointment for the Sabres will be if they don’t end up on top, because they were there all season long. The highlight is probably these guys proving that they weren’t a flash in the pan. They grew as a team much more than last year — the growth was dramatic.
CS: You’ve been broadcasting for a long time now, and you’ve witnessed many highs and lows for this organization. Why has Buffalo been so successful this year?
MR: I don’t think teams are built from the bottom up; they’re built from the top down, from good management decisions. I think this team has been very patient, and that’s difficult to do. Three or four years ago, there were people in this town saying, “Get rid of Regier, and take Ruff with you.” Now, you have Darcy Regier considered one of the top three general managers in the NHL, and Ruff the same way. These guys had to deal with a very small payroll, when the teams they were working against were playing with very high payrolls. Somehow, they got through it. Also, this hockey club was taken over by an owner that really got caught up in this game and just loves it.
CS: A lot of fans are already fearing the possible loss of Daniel Briere or Chris Drury.
MR: I wouldn’t fear that. That money will be used someplace else. Don’t fall in love with certain players, because that’s not how the NHL works anymore. I don’t think there’s a player in the NHL that’s irreplaceable. There’s no one playing that’s as great as Wayne Gretzky or Bobby Orr, and both got traded. Things happen.
CS: You played in some major cities — New York, Vancouver. What was it about Buffalo that made you want to live and raise your family here?
MR: I understood what playing in New York City meant, and Vancouver is arguably one of the most physically beautiful cities in the world. But when my career was over, I couldn’t beat a path quick enough back to Buffalo. I have a great love for the people — socially and financially I’m very comfortable. Williamsville has opened up so many opportunities for us, and I’m very grateful. We moved here by choice, so here we are, after all these years. We have a business, and we’re part of the community. Over the years I’ve become very attached to this area, and very concerned with its future. I think this area has been built on the backs of its senior citizens, and I’m concerned they don’t get the respect and the honor they deserve. You can’t give our veterans enough respect, encouragement, time and money. I still find it kind of odd that you have vets who have lost limbs, and seniors who have done so much for this area, who barely get the adulation that we show towards athletes or media people — it’s so out of whack that it’s beyond all comprehension for me.
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Courtesy of Mike Robitaille.
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CS: It seems like that relates to what you do at Robitaille Real Estate.
MR: Absolutely. Everyone’s biggest concern is taxes. We move so many people to this area, and it’s sometimes a tough sell until you get them in here and show them the highlights. Then there’s one staggering whack in the side of the head, when they ask, “What are the taxes on this house?” And in many cases, you just hit a wall. It’s got to stop. There’s a lot of bad PR outside of Buffalo. And what’s really disturbing is, I often hear it from people who actually live here. That whole attitude has to change dramatically. In Vancouver, I just didn’t feel the day-to-day relationships with people. It was cold, not overly friendly. You come back here and it’s like somebody wrapped a set of arms around you, and said, “You’re okay, you’re safe now, you’re home.”
CS: You’ve really taken to Western New York. Why do you think that this community has taken to you so much?
MR: I grew up in a family of eleven, and we didn’t exactly have the best of it. For all of this to come about is really humbling. I think you become part of the community. You’re as concerned about them as they are about you. I’ve always tried to be as honest as I could, and to not insult the fans’ intelligence. Broadcasters get fired up just like the players — you feel like you’re part of the team.
CS: Lastly, what do you and your wife like to do in Western New York in the spring and summer?
MR: A lot of work! The nice thing about living in Williamsville is it’s a walking area. We walk to our office, to go out to dinner, to meet our friends. We have a summer home north of Toronto in Midland, Ontario, where I grew up. We try to go up there a lot. We’ve been investing in real estate in the Mayan Riviera in Mexico. We have a home there, and it’s one of the fastest growing areas in Latin America. I love to play golf, and Isabel has her dogs, American champion springer spaniels. We have two daughters, and one granddaughter. Boy, does that ever change your life. I just see her and fall down — she owns me. When the baby was born, it reminded me that I probably didn’t spend as much time with my kids as I should have. I was so worried about things like, “Will I make the team? Will I play tomorrow night?” But with this grandchild, now I have time. We have a little more peace in our life now. Less worrying, and more enjoying. That’s how it’s supposed to be when you’re getting older.
Christopher Schobert is associate editor of Buffalo Spree and editor of Buffalo Spree City Guide.
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