Archives for July 2002

'Arniel, a former teammate of head coach Lindy Ruff, spent the past three years as an assistant with Manitoba of the American Hockey League.' … [Read more...] about Former Sabre Arniel named new assistant

'"His passion for coaching, and his knowledge of the game will be an excellent addition to our coaching staff," Ruff said.' … [Read more...] about Sabres hire Arniel as assistant coach

'The former Sabre was teammates with Lindy Ruff for 4 seasons while playing in Buffalo. He appeared in 295 games scoring 64 goals and 74 assists.' … [Read more...] about Sabres Hire New Assistant Coach

'No, the news is all good out of Buffalo, said commissioner Bettman. Five groups, each one more interested than the other, are anxious to buy in Buffalo and operate in a decent but decaying city, home of a team playing in a new oversized arena before a dwindling fan base.' … [Read more...] about The Last Word

'The commissioner might not have leveled a gun at the community's head, but the implication all day was clear: The community has to show its support - at the ticket window. Or else.' … [Read more...] about Bettman sees season tickets as crucial to Sabres' fate

'"The Sabres are running off the same exact budget and projections and assumptions they put together before all of this happened. . . . This club will run into the season whether or not new ownership is in place by September or October or November. This club will run as its fans expect it to."' … [Read more...] about League lets Sabres take care of business

'Bettman should stop acting as if the NHL is doing Buffalo some kind of favor by having a team here. The fact is, he needs you as much as you need his league.' … [Read more...] about Bettman fails to understand fans' feelings

'The NHL's decision to adopt the Bandits makes sound economic sense since many of the Sabres' sponsorship deals include both the hockey and lacrosse teams. "The hockey team has the rights to run the building, and the hockey team owns the Bandits," Bettman said. "So that package is there."' … [Read more...] about Bandits stay in business, will be operated by NHL

'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."' … [Read more...] about Bettman Issues Challenge to Buffalo Sabres Fans

'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.' … [Read more...] about Five Groups Interested in Buying Sabres, Bettman Says

'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.' … [Read more...] about Sabres, Defenseman James Patrick Agree to Two-Year Contract

'Terms were not announced but he'll likely receive close to the $600,000 a year he made last season.' … [Read more...] about Patrick re-signs with Sabres

'"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 … [Read more...] about Sabres agree to terms with D Patrick

'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 … [Read more...] about Five groups interested in keeping Sabres in Buffalo

'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.' … [Read more...] about NHL chief pushes ticket sales here