Archives for 2002

'DuRoss was approached by an investment bank firm and a group of wealthy individuals and was asked to head the group to purchase the Sabres and keep them in Buffalo. The P-Bruins owner has a lot of experience running sports franchises. He also owns the pro soccer league Rochester Rhinos and Major League Lacrosse's Rochester Rattlers. He began the process two weeks ago … [Read more...] about DuRoss assures deal won't cause saber rattling

'While at least two other potential ownership groups have been identified - one that wants a team for Portland, Ore., and the other a Utica-based group that would keep the team in Buffalo - several sources said Hamister's group remains the team's most likely suitor.' … [Read more...] about Sabres are 'Hamister's to lose'

'Sherry Bassin, the managing partner and general manager of the Erie Otters, has a reputation in NHL circles for successfully building hockey teams. That reputation is so solid, in fact, that Bassin's name has been associated with one of three groups of investors interested in buying the beleaguered Buffalo Sabres.' … [Read more...] about Otters GM advises buyers' group

'Hamister, CEO and founder of the Buffalo-based National Health Care Affiliates and owner of the Arena Football League Buffalo Destroyers, is not considered to have the financial resources to pursue the team on his own. As a result, he has also met with a series of unidentified investors that are expected to join him in buying the team.' … [Read more...] about Hamister lets Sabres know he's serious

'" I don't want to prove it to anybody but myself that each year I can play a little better than the year before. I always have the motivation to become better."' … [Read more...] about Hecht hopes he's found a home with Sabres

'It is uncertain whether Gratton, Varada or Warrener will take the arbitrtation route. None is coming off a particularly outstanding statistical campaign, although Warrener did score a career-high five goals.' … [Read more...] about Chore of trying to bring back veteran players begins

'The Sabres have until Sunday to re-sign three veterans -- enforcer Rob Ray and defenseman James Patrick and Richard Smehlik -- eligible to become unrestricted free agents. Smehlik has already suggested that he will pursue free agency, and considers it unlikely that he will re-sign with the Sabres.' … [Read more...] about Sabres re-sign McKee, Brown; retain rights to eight others

'Buffalo extended qualifying offers to right wings Jeremy Adduono, Maxim Afinogenov and Vaclav Varada; centers Tim Connolly, Chris Gratton and Francois Methot; goaltenders Martin Biron and Mika Noronen; and defensemen Brian Campbell and Rhett Warrener.' … [Read more...] about Sabres pick up options on C Brown and D McKee

'Ch2 has learned from NHL sources that Allen, who also owns the NFL's Seattle Seahawks and NBA's Portland Trailblazers, has presented a "substantial" cash offer to purchase the troubled Sabres franchise, with the intention of moving the franchise to Portland Oregon after the 2002-2003 season.' … [Read more...] about Billionaire Paul Allen targeting Sabres?

'"I believe we can improve on revenues. The idea is to do this with as little debt as possible."' … [Read more...] about Utica man indicates interest in the Sabres

'"We have met with and are in regular contact with the NHL and we are committed in doing everything we can to keep the Sabres in Buffalo," said Michael Marr, spokesman for the Empire State Development Corporation. "To that end, this week we met with a potential buyer committed to keeping the team in Buffalo." Marr said the meeting took place in Buffalo … [Read more...] about N.Y. officials offer to help with Sabres

'DuRoss wouldn't reveal who has approached him other than to say he's been contacted by an investment banking firm and other people with ties to western New York.' … [Read more...] about P-Bruins owner mulls possibility of purchasing the NHL's Sabres

\'\"I believe you can turn a profit operating the Buffalo Sabres at HSBC Arena. Buffalo is a strong hockey market.\"\' … [Read more...] about Local businessman considering Sabres bid

'Now that Hasek has proved to be a man of his word by retiring from the NHL after helping Detroit win the 2002 Stanley Cup, I am more convinced than ever that his request to be traded by the Sabres to a championship contender was reasonable and appropriate.' … [Read more...] about Tough call on when to retire No. 39

'Lever, 50, whose time with the Sabres gave him the second- longest tenure for a National Hockey League assistant behind Doug Jarvis's 14 years with Dallas, was associate coach to Lindy Ruff the past five years.' … [Read more...] about Former Sabres Assistant Don Lever Moves to St. Louis's Staff