Archives for 2002

'Interestingly, many thought that Hamister was the leading candidate. But according to sources close to the situation, it appears that Basin has now taken the lead in completing a deal for the Sabres.' … [Read more...] about Bettman pleas to fans

'The commissioner has tried mightily to distance the value of the club from the Rigas meltdown at Adelphia. But with criminal charges and a Securities and Exchange investigation still pending, that will be little comfort to prospective buyers who are being asked to cough up $100 million (U.S.) for the club. Expect the NHL to carry the Sabres for a while longer while it … [Read more...] about NHL teams may hit rock bottom prices soon

'That lack of success on the ice, coupled with the ownership issue, has done nothing to help the team sell season tickets this summer. Katzman reports Canadian renewals are at 82 per cent while U.S. renewals are at 78 per cent. Last season, Canadians accounted for about 1,000 of the Sabres 8,400 season tickets. The league average for season tickets is in the 10,500 … [Read more...] about Uncertainty taking its toll on Sabres

'Two Buffalo Sabres and the Excalibur Leisure Skills boat helped five impaired kids enjoy a slice of life as they took a fishing trip around Buffalo Harbor recently.' … [Read more...] about Excalibur excursions share the fun of fishing

'The chant started quietly but was quickly audible about 50 feet away. "No goal! No goal! No goal!" We're not sure the commish heard it, though one sports staffer said Bettman could have responded with a taunt of his own: "No team! No team! No team!"' … [Read more...] about Off Main Street

'"I've done a lot of interviews, and I've talked about a lot of things I can bring to the table. That's why I've been offered the job in Buffalo. For me, to go back to Buffalo, an area my family really enjoyed and wants to be a part of, it's a nice situation."' … [Read more...] about Arniel back in Buffalo, will be assistant to Ruff

'A second-round draft pick by Winnipeg in 1981, Arniel played 11 NHL seasons with Winnipeg, Buffalo and Boston. He had 149 goals and 189 assists in 730 games.' … [Read more...] about Buffalo Sabres Hire Scott Arniel as Assistant to Lindy Ruff

'While pleading with fans and sponsors to get behind the team, Bettman stressed that fans need not worry where money spent on the Sabres might end up. "The money that you spend in support of this club is not going to Adelphia and is not going to the Rigases," Bettman said. "All of the money will go to the operations of the Sabres. I want to assure people … [Read more...] about Bettman tries to ease fears in Buffalo

'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