Archives for 2004

It was very tough because I didn’t know any English. My family stayed back in Austria and all of my friends were back there. I can definitely say that it was really difficult the first couple of months. In the end, I had a great host family and made some good friends that I still keep in contact with. But the first couple of months were some of the hardest of my life. … [Read more...] about Beyond the Boards… Thomas Vanek

New to the tournament this year will be an All-Star street hockey grudge match between WGR-550 and the Sabres’ Alumni. Danny Gare, Rob Ray, Larry Playfair and other alumni will look to continue the Sabres’ domination of WGR-550, who was defeated 2-1 in the first meeting between the two organizations at the Draft Party earlier in the summer. … [Read more...] about Countdown to the HockeyFest

'As for the labor dispute, Zhitnik declined to take sides, instead saying that owners and players need to find a compromise. ''It's tough to say who's totally right, who's totally wrong. I think each side has to give up a little bit,'' Zhitnik said. ''It could be a long time, it could be a couple of months. The people who are … [Read more...] about Zhitnik in limbo; no league or team to call his own

'Contracts signed before Thursday can be guaranteed only after the lockout ends, so any serious injury suffered before then could jeopardize future earnings. The NHL also won't be responsible for any medical bills incurred during the work stoppage. That's a major reason why Sabres winger Miroslav Satan would rather not play at all during the lockout.' … [Read more...] about Players look for ice time

'The Sabres stunk last season, most of it anyway, and their payroll's already gone up $5 million. This is fair?' … [Read more...] about NHL needs to draw up a reality check

'"At the start of the summer I was kind of bummed out that there wasn't going to be a season. You work hard your whole life to make it to the NHL and you finally make it, and then there isn't a season. But this will be good. I can build up some confidence, like I did last year. We're going to have a good team, this is going to be my team and I … [Read more...] about Roy welcomes his opportunity as an Amerk

'Sabres defenseman Jay McKee said he plans to join a barnstorming league made up of NHL players scheduled to play across Canada. ' … [Read more...] about Peca sat out once before, ready do it again

'Goalkeeper Marty Biron said, "There's so many ins and outs in this whole collective bargaining agreement thing that haven't even been talked about. Right now, it's salary cap. But once the salary cap issue gets to be pushed away, then it's going to be free agency, and waivers, and entry-league guys, so it's going to be tough, and there's … [Read more...] about Players React to Lockout

'" This new economic system is the only way the Buffalo Sabres will survive and be competitive in the years to come. I apologize to everyone who is affected by this unfortunate situation. I am confident the Sabres and the NHL will work through this problem and flourish in the future."' … [Read more...] about Statement from Sabres Owner B. Thomas Golisano

'“I signed that new deal Monday and now I’m wondering if I’ll ever see one penny of it,” Peters said Wednesday afternoon as news filtered out that the NHL board of governors had given unanimous support to a player lockout. “The way they’re talking, there seems to be no end to this thing."' … [Read more...] about Peters o 'I just want to play hockey'

A quick look at the Sabres' financial position shows that a prolonged lockout would not hurt the team's bottom line much this season - if at all. Last season, the team lost $8.2 million, the difference between $50.9 million in revenues and $59.1 million in expenses, team officials say. If the lockout lasts all season, the Sabres' revenues basically would … [Read more...] about Lockout stalls NHL season

'Bartovic and Milley weren't sent down because, as veterans with more than three seasons of pro experience, they are subject to waivers. Instead, they very likely will sign American Hockey League contracts with the Amerks, making them eligible to play during the lockout. The same is expected to be done with veteran forwards Chris Taylor and Jason Botterill and … [Read more...] about Sabres send Miller, 11 others to Amerks

'The lockout will not affect the newly formed Sabres Center Ice Club, made up of a group of local businesses to help the franchise rebuild its corporate base. ''We didn't want to sit around and wait for the lockout to end and the teams to return to the ice to start this process,'' co-chairman Bill Collins said. ''Our goal and mission is … [Read more...] about Sabres fans disheartened by NHL lockout

'A two-year veteran, Miller was a restricted free agent who had rejected the team's qualifying offer last July.' … [Read more...] about Miller among four players re-signed by Sabres

'Selected in the fifth round of the 1999 draft, Miller posted an 0-3-0 record and 5.08 goals-against average in three appearances with Buffalo last season. The 24-year-old Michigan native went 27-25-7 with five shutouts and a 2.21 GAA in 60 games with Rochester. Touted as the Sabres' goalie of the future, the 2001 Hobey Baker Award winner is 6-11-1 with one shutout … [Read more...] about Sabres agree to terms with four players