BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Buffalo Sabres right wing Miroslav Satan learned Friday night that the team will allow him to play in Slovakia's first Olympic preliminary game.

Satan will travel on team owner John Rigas' private plane to Salt Lake City for Slovakia's Feb. 9 game against Germany.

"It's a nice Christmas present," Satan after the Sabres tied Toronto 3-3 on Friday night. "He and the Sabres organization realize how important it is for me and the hockey fans back home."

The Olympic contest falls between two Sabres games, forcing Satan to play three straight days. Buffalo won't allow Satan to play in Slovakia's other preliminary games.