Archives for August 2002

'The key is once the ownership issue is settled or close to being settled, it will allow the team to sell itself - the on-ice product - to the average fan. The fact that the Maislin/Bassin group is saying the Sabres will remain in Buffalo for the long term helps. "Those are all positive messages," Migala said. "But, for all that, what will really fuel sales … [Read more...] about Ticket sale campaign, ownership keep Sabres on edge

'"There are a number of factors that need to be addressed to get the team on solid footing, but we're certainly not intimidated by it. We have a handle on what needs to be done. It's challenging, but by no means overwhelming."' … [Read more...] about Potential Sabres owners playing waiting game

'Confirming his interest in purchasing the financially troubled Buffalo Sabres hockey team, B. Thomas Golisano said Friday any buyer should consider a "community owned" team, like the NFL's Green Bay Packers.' … [Read more...] about Sabres could become public property

'Bassin maintains the investment group has made him no promises of future employment, should it be successful in landing the Sabres. But clearly that's what he'd like.' … [Read more...] about Bassin wants to cut a deal for Sabres

'"There is not timetable set, however," Bassin said. "You put yourself in a dangerous position when you say tomorrow or something like that, but we'd like to think we're getting to the point where we're getting to the stage where we can get it done. But it's not an issue of just handing in an offer. It's got to be accepted, and that … [Read more...] about Sabres purchase closer to reality

Golisano certainly would bring deep pockets to the Sabres. The billionaire chairman of Paychex Inc. in Rochester already has spent about $14 million for his gubernatorial bid. … [Read more...] about Golisano could invest in Sabres

'''He has had some serious discussions about buying the Sabres,'' Golisano's chief political strategist Roger Stone said Wednesday. ''I don't think he's decided whether or not he wants to make a bid. He is considering it."' … [Read more...] about Golisano expresses interest in Sabres

'He said he would be looking for his investment to be no more than a "break-even" proposition that he might want to convert to public ownership to assure that the team stays in Buffalo.' … [Read more...] about Golisano might bid to buy Sabres

'The Bassin/Maislin group has emerged as the early frontrunner to purchase the team, which is in dire financial straits after the collapse of owner Adelphia Communications. And that bodes well for Nolan, who has a long-standing relationship with Bassin, who currently runs the Ontario Hockey League champion Erie Otters. Nolan won two OHL titles and a national championship … [Read more...] about Sabres takeover could benefit Nolan

'The Sabres are hoping to score big when it comes to their upcoming marketing campaign, one part is expected to feature prominent Buffalonians who already have season tickets encouraging others to get theirs, and the Buffalo Partnership is launching a "Business Backs the Sabres" effort to sell the 12 and 1/2 vacant luxury suites and help with those season tickets … [Read more...] about Sabres Launching Ambitious New Marketing Campaign

'Peca told Eyewitness News reporter John Kosich, "You certainly wonder about the terms 'we'll show you the books' when it comes to negotiations and all that. I mean obviously that's not a very credible source of information anymore."' … [Read more...] about Peca on the Rigas saga

Sometime this week, a group of investors headed by OHL Erie owner Sherry Bassin will make a bid for the Sabres. The Buffalo News reports the group could include former Sabres star Pat LaFontaine. … [Read more...] about New season, fresh start — especially for Sabres

'Clearly, the Sabres have been plagued by a chicken-egg problem: Prospective season-ticket buyers want to see the team's ownership clarified, but potential new owners want to see a stronger ticket base. Which comes first? Probably a dramatic hike in ticket sales.' … [Read more...] about Marketing of the Sabres to start soon

'If Bassin buys the team, there's a darned good chance one Ted Nolan will be back behind the Sabres' bench, smart suits and all. You looking for percentages? Try roughly 99.99 percent Nolan will return to Buffalo this season.' … [Read more...] about Team Bassin would include Ted Nolan

'The Buffalo Sabres have signed forwards Francois Methot and Jason Botterill to contracts.' … [Read more...] about Sabres sign pair of forwards to deals