Archives for July 25, 2002

'National Hockey League Commissioner Gary Bettman said, "This is about saying hey, Buffalo we know you love the Sabres, we really need your help in demonstrating it."'

'Bettman didn't identify potential ownership groups. He said the Sabres would remain in Buffalo, where they began as an expansion team in 1970. "We're not talking to anybody who doesn't want to keep the team in Buffalo," said Bettman, adding that there's no timetable for the sale to be completed.'

'Patrick, a 19-year National Hockey League veteran, had five goals and eight assists in 56 games last season. He is one of 14 NHL defensemen to play in 1,000 games and score 600 points.'

'Terms were not announced but he'll likely receive close to the $600,000 a year he made last season.'

'"Despite having opportunities elsewhere, we are very proud that James has chosen to remain with the Buffalo Sabres and stay in our community," Sabres general manager Darcy Regier said. "James has proven to be an important contributor to our hockey team over the past four seasons. He has provided us with depth and veteran leadership and will be a valuable presence to our younger players."'

'Five groups are interested in buying the NHL's Sabres and keeping them in Buffalo, commissioner Gary Bettman said Thursday, a day after the team's outgoing owner was arrested on fraud charges. Bettman, who did not identify the potential ownership groups, said it was "purely a coincidence" that he was in Buffalo 24 hours after John Rigas and two sons were arrested in connection with the financial meltdown of Adelphia Communications.'

'League and team officials have suggested that fans buying season tickets can help strengthen Buffalo's hold on the Sabres in two ways: by helping the team's bottom line and by sending a strong signal to potential investors that the region can support an NHL team.'

'The move Wednesday was hardly surprising. Rasmussen had become increasingly annoyed with his role on the fourth line last season while the Sabres had become frustrated over his lack of production.'

'The Sabres are struggling to maintain their season-ticket base, which has eroded from 8,100 at the end of last season to about 6,000.'

'He acknowledged falling short of expectations in Buffalo, where he became the target of media criticism. He has been bothered by shoulder problems the last two years. "I think everybody, including myself, expected more from me," he said. "If there was anything negative written about me, I earned it. It's just a situation where [the Sabres] are going in a different direction now."'