I don't think I really need to say this but Hamilton is Buffalo's #1, #2, and #2 rival and its not even close. Sure, Buffalo has faced NOLA in two finals, but both were victories for the Stampede. That puts them up there. But nothing comes close to a division rival that has taken Buffalo out of the playoffs countless times, and in many seasons was the only thing that stood between Buffalo and the Cup. Hamilton too has been knocked out cold by dominant Buffalo teams. If they weren't already big rivals, this last Challenge Cup cemented Buffalo-Hamilton as one of the all time rivalries in the SHL. This is the first time two division rivals have ever faced each other in the Challenge Cup so it was bound to be a huge milestone. Although the players get along well off the ice, on the ice there will always be a heated and vicious rivalry.