Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - Call it a telltale sign.
Normally when the Buffalo Sabres play the Toronto Maple Leafs - or any other Canadian for that matter - KeyBank Center is filled with hockey fans wearing the blue-and-while Leafs' jersey, or whatever sweater represents the visiting Canadian team.
Not during the Oct. 24 Maple Leafs-Sabres game, though.
Yes, there were a large number of Toronto fans, but KeyBank Center was not as packed with Canadians as usual. That, in a snapshot, showcases concerns being raised by Visit Buffalo CEO Patrick Kaler.
After a banner 2024 when Erie County welcomed more than 9.6 million visitors, who left behind a $2.7 billion economic impact, Kaler says he is anticipating a significant drop in tourism economics numbers this year because of the drop in Canadian visitors.
Through the end of October, the number of Southern Ontario visitors is off more than 15%, and that's a conservative number, Kaler said.
The reason?
President Trump and his push to make Canada the 51st state coupled with heavy tariffs he is imposing on Canadian-made goods entering the U.S.
"It's all about the narrative out of D.C., " Kaler said.
Canadians aren't necessarily mad at Buffalo, Erie County or Niagara Falls.
"They are mad at Washington, and talking with my counterparts in other border cities, they are seeing and feeling the same thing," Kaler said.
The economic impact across Erie County and the region runs deep. There are less Canadian fans at Sabres and Buffalo Bills' home games.
The number of Canadians flying out of Buffalo Niagara International Airport is down as are reports of Southern Ontario residents staying overnight at area hotels, eating at restaurants and shopping at places like the Walden Galleria or Fashion Outlets in Niagara Falls.
"We are hamstrung," Kaler said.