Archives for 2003

“By no means is this a negative or are we thumbing our noses at Canada,” Sabres vice-president of communications Mike Gilbert said. “It’s just the opposite. We plan on doing more (in Canada) than has ever been done in the past. The new ownership feels we’ll be able to have more resources to spend in Canada by not having an office there. The … [Read more...] about Sabres close local office, but insist commitment to Canada still strong

'Sabres' Fan Appreciation Day this year was like waking up from a restless dream.' … [Read more...] about Puckvoice

'The former Sabres coach was invited to speak in Buffalo as part of Buffalo State College's monthlong Native American Heritage Celebration. Nolan, an Ojibway Indian, had no hesitations in returning to a familiar place, six years after he and the Sabres parted ways over a contract dispute.' … [Read more...] about Nolan hasn't lost dream to return as NHL coach

'The Sabres went into 2002-03 with an enviable group of young goalies, yet ended their season without a No. 1 - mostly because Noronen finally started showing why he was twice selected as the Hockey News' minor-league prospect of the year.' … [Read more...] about Who's No. 1? Sabres goalies take a number

'Also losing their jobs Monday, several sources confirmed, were Joe Guarnieri, senior director of broadcast and production services, and Jeff Holbrook, administrative assistant coach.' … [Read more...] about New owners of team replace two top executives

'The two let go are Ron Bertovich, administrative vice president, and Christye Peterson, the team's vice president of marketing.' … [Read more...] about Golisano will not rehire two top Sabres executives

'"Tom Golisano rejuvenated the locker room," McKee said. "The difference from now and one year ago is enormous."' … [Read more...] about Sabres' fresh attitude sets tone for offseason

'The puck is on Golisano's stick. He's never dealt in hockey before, but we're sure looking forward to watching him try.' … [Read more...] about Golisano flashes true Sabres' colors

'There is a lot Buffalo can do to help improve its own prospects and, indeed, it has been taking some of those steps lately, with new, forward-looking contracts with its Police and Fire Departments. But one person with enough resources and a well-developed sense of civic responsibility can make a huge difference. In Rochester, Golisano has proved to be just such a … [Read more...] about A reason to hope

'Larry Quinn, a close adviser to Golisano on the Sabres, said the new owner would wait until formally closing on the purchase before making any changes. "We've had a fair amount of input into operations so far," Quinn said.' … [Read more...] about Golisano clears hurdles in bid to buy Sabres

'"It's like a house closing, no big deal," Quinn told the media. "Initially what we'll have to do is get out to our fans about ticket pricing next year, some basic hockey decisions, prepare for the draft, some potential player transactions."' … [Read more...] about Sale of Sabres approved to billionaire Golisano

'Golisano's offer takes into account $45 million in assumed liabilities, up to $25 million in projected team debt this season and a $22 million concession loan. He is also offering to pay $2.5 million owed to unsecured creditors, despite not being legally bound to do so.' … [Read more...] about Sale of Sabres approved by judge

'Heading into next season, the Sabres have an intriguing mix of young talent and veteran savvy. They won’t be one of the NHL’s elite teams, but they could be a playoff contender.' … [Read more...] about Forget the past, future looks good for Sabres

'Disappointments had to include the play of goaltenders Martin Biron and Mika Noronen. Neither goalie seemed to want to grab the starting job as his own, with both struggling at certain points of the season.' … [Read more...] about Buffalo Sabres' year-end report

'U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Michael Kaplan on Thursday morning approved an asset purchase agreement that will allow Golisano, founder and chairman of Paychex Co. in Rochester, to acquire the National Hockey League franchise. Golisano is paying $70 million for the team and retiring another $20 million in existing debts to buy the team. Closing, pending some final paper work, is … [Read more...] about Golisano gets step closer to completing deal for Sabres