Archives for 2004

'"He based his decision on the fact this league offers good hockey and he wanted to keep in shape," said Briere's agent, Pat Brisson. NHL stars Joe Thornton, Rick Nash and Olli Jokinen also are skating in the Swiss league.' … [Read more...] about Briere gets whiff of Swiss hockey

“Our squad was outstanding and in great shape,” stated former Sabres captain Danny Gare. “We worked hard leading up to this game and really came into the contest in tip-top condition. That is very important in these games, as you can see a lot of the kids (participating in the HockeyFest) are in good shape.” … [Read more...] about Four Champions Crowned

The sled hockey program has a foundation built around cultivating teamwork, self-esteem and self worth for the kids on their three teams. For most of the participants and their families, the program allows them an escape from the challenges of everyday life. … [Read more...] about Challenging the Traditional Game of Hockey

'"You lose that edge," said Taylor, one of eight in the Amerks' camp who also dressed for the Buffalo Sabres last season. "When you go into an NHL camp you want to be at the top, and you're so nervous going out there on the ice. "Today it was a little more relaxed than usual because the guys know they can't go anywhere except for here. … [Read more...] about Amerks get down to work

'Rookie left winger Thomas Vanek, the fifth overall pick in the 2002 draft, says he'll survive without an immediate taste of the NHL. "I knew if there was a lockout, I would develop here," Vanek said. "It's disappointing but it's something I can't worry about. I won't let it get in my head."' … [Read more...] about AHL is the Show

'Buffalo Sabres center Daniel Briere agreed to a deal Wednesday with SC Bern of the Swiss league, becoming the latest NHL player to head to Europe. Briere, who was awarded a one-year, $2.55 million contract by an NHL arbitrator in August, led the Sabres in scoring with 28 goals, 37 assists and a career-high 65 points.' … [Read more...] about 178 NHL players now in Europe

'''I hope there will be a season,'' Roy said. ''But it's hard to think there will be because there's so much going on and it's all negative stuff. ... I'm just going to work hard. And if there is a season in January or not, I'll be ready for it.''' … [Read more...] about Sabres' Roy happy to be back on ice, even if it is the minors

'MSG Network of New York City is in talks with Adelphia Communications Corp. about picking up television rights to the Buffalo Sabres, a precursor to Adelphia shuttering its Empire Sports Network, sources have told the Sports Business Journal.' … [Read more...] about Buyer may emerge for Sabres' cable TV rights

According to Rob Ray, the WGR team should “stick to talking about hockey and not playing it.” … [Read more...] about Four Champions Crowned

Billy Reay, the first head coach of the Rochester Americans who would go on to become one of the winningest coaches in NHL history, died at the age of 86 on Thursday. … [Read more...] about Amerks First Coach Passes Away

'Lindy Ruff would like Connolly to play in Rochester, but Buffalo can't force him. Connolly could sign a deal with any minor league franchise or he could accept a two week conditioning assignment in Rochester like Dominik Hasek has done in Ottawa. That can be renewed every two weeks indefinitely. If he does that, then Buffalo would have to pay him so that is … [Read more...] about Connolly Will Not Be Paid During The Lockout

'“I hope to impress them enough in Rochester and get called up to Buffalo whenever the time comes,” he said. “I’m just going to play like I did in Guelph. I think I know what my role is going to be with the team. I want to play on one of the top two lines, play physical and see how it goes.”' … [Read more...] about Paille ready to go

'This year's lockout is expected to last substantially longer than the 103 days it took to reach an agreement a decade ago. "We're more prepared for a lockout this time," Amerks Chief Executive Officer Steve Donner said. "We were all hoping that it wouldn't happen, but now that it has we should stand to benefit from the Sabres not … [Read more...] about It's a lock fans will go elsewhere

"The team's Web site, www.sabres.com, has already stricken the games from its schedule. Buffalo's season opener is now listed as Oct. 24 at Phoenix, but that game will be canceled Friday. The Oct. 26 game at St. Louis will be canceled Sunday. And so on and so on.' … [Read more...] about NHL slate starts shrinking

“We had a few of them back then. I would have to say Rick Martin though. Richard always had a joke to go along with every story that he told. He always seemed to keep the locker room loose. I believe that was just his way of diffusing the tension before big games.” … [Read more...] about In the Locker Room with Danny Gare