Archives for June 2002

'The Adelphia debt, in particular, could draw the Rigas-owned Niagara Frontier Hockey Limited Partnership into the cable company's anticipated bankruptcy by ranking the team loans among Adelphia's corporate assets. The NHL could play a vital role in brokering a debt-resolution deal or acting as interim franchise caretakers, as well as helping guide any sale of … [Read more...] about Saving the Sabres

'A group of mostly local investors has spent the past month forming in hopes of buying the Sabres and keeping them in Buffalo. Mark Hamister, who owns the Arena Football League's Buffalo Destroyers, has been identified as the group's catalyst. Brendan McDaniels, a spokesman for Hamister, declined comment Tuesday.' … [Read more...] about NHL governors have Sabres' future on the agenda

'NHL spokeswoman Bernadette Manser says the league's Board of Governors will be meeting on Thursday, but the only item on the agenda is an update on the Sabres, and no action will be taken.' … [Read more...] about NHL calls report of Sabres takeover "premature"

'Sources have told WGR Sports Radio 55 that the NHL will take over the Buffalo Sabres on Thursday...I have also learned Commissioner Gary Bettman does not think it'll be long until the team is sold to local investors led by Bob Rich Jr., and Mark Hamister.' … [Read more...] about The NHL to take over the Sabres this week

'With Adelphia Communications facing at least $2.3 billion in unreported debt, and the NHL ready to take over the team if needed, belt tightning within the Sabres organization could be an understatement.' … [Read more...] about Tight budget forces Sabres to build through draft

'"We're really going to handicapped this summer," said Sabres coach Lindy Ruff, who lectured Sunday at Roger Neilson's annual coaching clinic at the University of Windsor. "We really won't be able to do anything. We don't know what'll happen, if the league will have to step in and at what point. I think you can look at baseball for … [Read more...] about Buffalo's woes bode ill for NHL

'Hasek never played as well as he did in 1999. Worse, he seemed to become more selfish. It wasn't about leading the Sabres to a title. It was about winning one for himself.' … [Read more...] about Hard to feel happy for Hasek

'Representatives of a Western New York investment consortium met with NHL officials in recent days to talk about the possibility of acquiring the Sabres in a package that would also include HSBC Arena, the Empire Sports Network and WNSA-FM. All are owned by separate partnerships with direct ties to the Rigas family, founders of Adelphia who ran the cable company until one … [Read more...] about Investors positioned for Sabres deal

'You know what the Sabres received from the organization when they went to the Stanley Cup finals in 1999? A $100 gift certificate to a shopping mall, a toy car, a yo-yo and an Adelphia Communications fishing hat. Teams usually reward their players with vacations or cash. The Sabres were so insulted it became laughable. It's one reason many in the organization have … [Read more...] about Sabres may have to pay out big bucks

'Even if the hockey team stays in Buffalo, the Rigas family's greed will probably cost every taxpayer in Erie County, and quite possibly all of New York, a fistful of dollars as tens of millions in state loans that helped build HSBC Arena are either written off or reduced.' … [Read more...] about Buffalo to suffer for the greed of the Rigas family

'Sources have said that the potential legal and financial complications for anyone buying the team from Rigas could force the NHL to take over the franchise for a short time, to "cleanse" the franchise for eventual sale to a new owner.' … [Read more...] about Deal taking shape to keep Sabres here

'Donner said he would use any connections he has to help the Sabres, but doesn't have enough financial clout himself to lead an effort.' … [Read more...] about Donner just an observer of Sabres

'Amerks owner Steve Donner says he'll act as a middleman to try to bring together Rochester and Buffalo businessmen to buy the Sabres. A spokesman tells News 8 Now Donner may even consider a small investment.' … [Read more...] about Amerks Owner Wants Area Businessmen to Buy Sabres

'Donner said that during the past two weeks he has had discussions with Buffalo businessman Mark Hamister -- whom he referred to as the "catalyst" of bringing an ownership group together. Hamister is chairman and founder of the Buffalo-based National Health Care Affiliates and owns the Arena Football League Buffalo Destroyers.' … [Read more...] about Americans owner Donner hopes to help Sabres

'The owner of Buffalo's minor league baseball team says it's too early to discuss whether he would join a new ownership group that could buy the city's professional hockey franchise.' … [Read more...] about Rich says talk of joining new ownership group is 'premature'