BUFFALO, N.Y. -- The Buffalo Sabres are expanding their television reach into Canada.

The team announced Wednesday that Bell TV has agreed to broadcast 50 Sabres games this season to its customers in southern Ontario. The Sabres have spent several years attempting to broaden their exposure into the neighbouring Niagara region, from which the team draws many fans.

Most Sabres games have previously been limited to being broadcast on U.S. cable networks not available in Canada. Sabres fans in Ontario instead had to purchase the NHL's Center Ice package to watch the team play.

Bell will not charge additional fees for broadcasting the games. The first broadcast will be Buffalo's home game against Columbus on Thursday.