The legend of Taro Tsujimoto is a hoax kept alive by Sabres fans for 50 years. Tsujimoto was drafted by the Buffalo Sabres in the 11th round of the 1974 NHL draft, but he never actually existed. The Sabres, led by general manager Punch Imlach, decided to prank the league by drafting a fictional player during a time of secrecy and confusion in the draft process. Using the name Taro Tsujimoto and concocting a backstory, the Sabres claimed to have selected a Japanese centerman from the Tokyo Katanas. The prank was so elaborate that even the team owners were asking about Tsujimoto’s whereabouts.
The prank went beyond the draft, with a locker stall set up for Tsujimoto at training camp and rumors circulating about his potential arrival. The joke was kept alive with bumper stickers, trading cards, and signs at games that referenced Taro Tsujimoto. Sabres fans embraced the hoax, seeing it as a reflection of the city and franchise’s sense of humor. The legend of Taro Tsujimoto continues to endure in Buffalo, with fans still referencing the fictional player and celebrating the legacy of the prank.
Paul Tsujimoto, the son of the man who provided the inspiration for Taro’s name, shared the story with his son Josh at a young age. Josh now wears a No. 74 Tsujimoto jersey to Sabres games, adding to the legacy of the hoax. In 2011, the Panini trading card company produced a Taro Tsujimoto rookie card as part of their set, further immortalizing the fictional player. The card featured a biography that leaned into Tsujimoto’s curious backstory, including rumors of trades and whispers of his feats with the Tokyo Katanas.
The creative mind behind the Taro Tsujimoto prank, Paul Wieland, was known for his innovative ideas and colorful personality within the Sabres organization. Wieland’s pranks, including the Tsujimoto hoax, helped put the small-market team on the map and showcased the city’s sense of humor. The legacy of the prank lives on in Buffalo, with fans still recalling the story of the fictional Japanese player and celebrating the fun and creativity it brought to the organization.
The Taro Tsujimoto legend is a testament to the enduring spirit of Sabres fans and the creative ingenuity of the team’s front office. Despite the NHL eventually erasing Tsujimoto’s existence from the official draft records, the story of the fictional player continues to captivate and entertain fans. The longevity of the hoax reflects the unique character of Buffalo and the bond between fans and the team. The legacy of Taro Tsujimoto is a reminder of the power of humor and imagination in sports and the enduring impact of a well-executed prank.
