Archives for November 2002

Promising to proceed in "a humble and quiet fashion," Mark Hamister and Todd Berman said at Thursday's press conference in HSBC Arena that they won't be making any major changes to the Buffalo Sabres' on- or off-ice product until the sale of the team closes in the first quarter of 2003. The press conference was held on the ice with an appropriate … [Read more...] about It's Hammer TimeOe almost

'Ch2 Sports has learned that Hamister's bid includes about $60 million for the team, but the figure will be closer to $90 million when including some assumed debt. Hamister's bid, according to a source, will pay off Adelphia's $33 million secured debt on the HSBC Arena.' … [Read more...] about Hamister awarded Sabres franchise

'Golisano said his decision to stick with his undisclosed original offer was based on the Sabres' current fiscal condition, which he termed "a risky situation." In addition to assuming the team's existing debt, new ownership will also face millions of dollars more in deferred compensation for the players, and a murky future on the issue of a players … [Read more...] about Hamister gets OK to buy Sabres

'"It's something that's been looming over our heads," Sabres defenseman and alternate captain Rhett Warrener said. "It's not something we think about every day, but it's something that's always in the back of your mind. Hopefully it's positive, and if it has been bothering guys, they can stop worrying about it. We can … [Read more...] about Sabres excited to have new owner

'The last thing they need is to feed the public's undying fascination with Ted Nolan. The guy hasn't coached since May of '97. He alienated his star player. He alienated his general manager. Don't insult Ruff by suggesting Nolan would be a worthy replacement, a step up in class. If hockey were chess, Ruff beats Nolan in 15 moves.' … [Read more...] about Firing Ruff would yield less than zero

'Hamister owns North American Sports LLC which includes the Arena Football League's Buffalo Destroyers and the Rochester Brigade arena football team. He is chairman of National Health Care Affiliates Inc.' … [Read more...] about Golisano loses bid for Sabres

'Hamister and Chartwell, a New York company that is providing the primary financing for the deal, are paying mostly cash, but assuming some debt, in their purchase of the Sabres and the arena they play in, the HSBC Arena. Chartwell had been an investor in the Baltimore Orioles when Eli Jacobs was the owner. The cash in the deal will be used to pay some of Adelphia's … [Read more...] about Individual and a Firm Purchase the Sabres

The NHL said Wednesday that they would accept the bid for the financially-troubled Buffalo Sabres from a group headed by Mark E. Hamister. … [Read more...] about Hamister Bid for Buffalo Sabres Accepted

Mere hours after receiving the news from NHL commissioner Gary Bettman on Wednesday, Hamister attended a small function at which a Buffalo distribution company announced it had purchased 10 Sabres season tickets. … [Read more...] about Hamister keeps working after NHL approves bid for Sabres

'Ever since the Buffalo businessman completed a $134 million deal that sold off 70 percent of his health care services company in 1996, Hamister has turned his attention to sports.' … [Read more...] about Buying Sabres falls into Hamister's sports vision

'``News like this gives us an extra boost,'' Sabres general manager Darcy Regier. ``I think just the knowing: Number one, that the team is staying in Buffalo -- that's the most important thing for this community -- and number two, there's going to be strong ownership.''' … [Read more...] about NHL selects Hamister bid to buy Sabres

'"Adelphia has been involved throughout this process," Bettman said. "We are anticipating their continued cooperation in completing the sale."' … [Read more...] about Troubled Sabres sold to group headed by Hamister

'Bettman said a closing date likely would come in the first three months of 2003. The NHL's Board of Governors still must approve the sale.' … [Read more...] about Bid for Buffalo Sabres accepted

'``We will work with Mr. Hamister to conclude the transaction as quickly as possible,'' he said.' … [Read more...] about Sabres Sold to Arena League Team Owner Mark Hamister

'Hamister made his fortune in the nursing home and medical insurance industry and is already involved in the Buffalo-area sports scene as owner of the Buffalo Destroyers of the Arena Football League. He was known to have met with Bettman as late as last Tuesday in Buffalo. Those meetings were said to be productive. Hamister also spent that evening taking in the Sabres-Boston … [Read more...] about It’s Official. Hamister to Own Sabres