Archives for January 10, 2003

'Boston is 17-1-1 when leading after two periods.'

'The Buffalo Sabres still may be in search of an owner, but they seem to have found a bonafide goal scorer.'

'He has asked the state to refinance a $23 million loan on the arena and to cover the cost of $10 million in arena improvements. Hamister has requested other financial aid from the city, including a break in the $500,000 rent for the arena.'

'''It's a genuine issue,'' Volker said. ''If the state commits to taking that over with state funds, it could be considered an asset of Adelphia. And they do not want any of the state money to potentially go to Adelphia.'''

'"Since progress continues, we are comfortable moving this process forward with Messrs. Hamister and Berman," NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said.'

What's new in Sabre Land? How about Ryan Miller? He has backstopped the Sabres to eight points in his first six NHL starts. Two wins, an overtime win and two overtime losses, at least a point in every contest, until being nipped 3-2 Tuesday evening in Philadelphia. How about Ales Kotalik? He took down the mighty division-leading Ottawa Senators last Saturday on their own ice almost single-handedly with both Sabre goals in a 2-1 OT victory.

'A source close to the negotiations told The Buffalo News Thursday night that the state does not feel it can provide a $23 million loan Hamister wants as part of a plan to refinance an existing loan for the HSBC Arena. The source, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the Pataki administration believes that the loan proceeds would go directly to Adelphia Communications, the scandal-ridden company that is the parent of the Sabres.'

'If Hamister purchases the Sabres, 48 percent are very or somewhat confident he will be able to run a successful team in Buffalo, 19 percent are not confident and 33 percent are unsure.'

'But if the Sabres leave town, county taxpayers will pay an even steeper price – at least $15 million to $20 million over the next 23 years, just in the direct loss of sales tax revenue, according to the latest county projections.'

'He is one of the Sabres' lowest-paid players, making $450,000 this season. Only left wing Eric Boulton makes less ($400,000).'