Archives for January 24, 2003

'“We continue to make progress, but people need to understand this is an incredibly complex negotiation which requires a great deal of time and attention,'' Hamister said in a statement.'

'In issuing the extension, the NHL stressed that “a definitive purchase agreement will need to be finalized'' by the new deadline.'

'What would happen if the Sabres left? Immediately a group of local entrepreneurs would negotiate for a minor league franchise and by next season we would have a team – the Jackknifes, perhaps – in a minor league the next level down. And we would be good candidates for association with a major league team, quite possibly Toronto. Is that a reasonable outcome? I suggest that it is better than reasonable. It would far better serve this community than any continuation in major league hockey.'

'Hamister is faced with yet another Friday deadline in his and partner Todd Berman's effort to purchase the club, which is under bankruptcy protection. Hamister is expected to seek yet another extension from the NHL in order to finish up legal work on the purchase asset agreement.'

'The Sabres are enjoying their longest unbeaten streak of the season at six games. They have gone 6-1-2 in January. But they are hurting offensively and still aren't within shouting distance of climbing into the playoff hunt.'

'The Buffalo Sabres defenseman has been hobbled by three injuries this season, and it seems whenever he is out of the lineup, his teammates excel in his absence.'

'Toronto has not won twice in Buffalo since the 1977-78 season.'

'However, Golisano's offer, submitted to National Hockey League Commissioner Gary Bettman on Thursday afternoon, would provide Adelphia Communications, parent owners of the Sabres, with millions less than Hamister's package, or even less than what Golisano proposed in November in a bid that was rejected by the NHL. This could pose problems for Adelphia and the judge who is overseeing the once-mighty cable conglomerate's Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings.'

'Some observers late Thursday questioned whether Golisano's renewed interest could make it more difficult for Hamister to get the government concessions he insists he needs to close the deal. And if he can't get them, Hamister has said he might walk away from the whole purchase.'

'They may not be able to pay for a half-order of wings without first returning pop bottles for a refund, but the Sabres are rich in spirit.'