The Sabres Make Another Power Move With This Front Office Signing
The Buffalo Sabres have bolstered their performance staff by hiring renowned strength and conditioning coach Brian Galivan, who joins the organization after a successful six-year stint with USA Hockey.
The team announced today that Galivan will take on the role of Director of Performance. Most recently, he served as Director of Sports Science for USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program (NTDP).
Currently, he is in Denmark working as the performance coach for the U.S. Men’s National Team at the IIHF World Championship.
We have hired Brian Galivan as director of performance.
— Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres) May 9, 2025
Galivan joins the Sabres after six years with USA Hockey. Read more → https://t.co/uySKZQ2GdO pic.twitter.com/xlVtlJT3cD
Sabres General Manager Kevyn Adams spoke highly of Galivan’s reputation and the value he brings to the organization:
“Brian has been a trusted resource for players at all levels, from juniors to the NHL, for years. As we continue making changes this offseason, we’re fortunate to add someone with such an impressive track record,” Adams said. “He’s widely regarded as one of the top strength coaches in hockey, and his expertise will be a major asset for our players.”
Galivan has earned recognition as a world-class sports performance specialist, contributing to the success of U.S. national teams during his tenure.
He was part of the strength and conditioning staff for three gold medal-winning teams at the IIHF World Junior Championships (2021, 2024, 2025).
“I’m thrilled to join the Buffalo Sabres and bring my experience to this first-class organization,” Galivan said. “Helping build the sports science program at the NTDP and shaping its culture has been incredibly rewarding, and I look forward to making an impact in Buffalo.”
In addition to his work with USA Hockey, Galivan owns GVN Performance, a sports training company with four locations that has become a go-to destination for professional and Olympic athletes across multiple sports.
Galivan’s hiring could prove pivotal for the Sabres, particularly in player development and injury recovery. During his time with the NTDP, he worked with 84 players—32 of whom were later drafted into the NHL.
This move marks another step in the Sabres’ ongoing efforts to strengthen their front office and coaching staff. Galivan’s expertise could be a hidden gem in their rebuild, potentially playing a key role in the team’s future success.
Image - Kevin Hoffman-Imagn
