Archives for July 18, 2001

For all the riches that came Dominik Hasek's way in 1997-98 — the gold, the trophies, the millions — those bobbles could not buy him this: Redemption. Priceless.

'"We had to find a way to keep this relationship intact," said Steve Donner, the Amerks' president. "Our hope was to move forward with the Sabres. We were asking them to pick up a larger share of the commitment, and to their credit they were able to do so. That was the only way this deal was getting done."'

'Under the terms of a new four-year affiliation contract, the Amerks have voluntarily given up control of hockey operations. The Sabres will be responsible for all players, coaches (Randy Cunneyworth and assistant Jon Christiano will return), equipment and trainers for the American Hockey League team. The radical adjustment in the affiliation means the Sabres hockey budget will increase $500,000 to $600,000 a year.'

'Martin Biron will be given the opportunity to prove he's ready to be the Sabres mainstay in goal, but Noronen very likely will return for a third season with the Rochester Americans. The Sabres plan to sign a veteran free agent to play alongside Biron in Buffalo. They don't want Noronen sitting in Buffalo, they want him playing.'