Archives for July 2005

"We drafted Thomas Vanek to score goals," stated Director of Amateur Scouting, Jim Benning pointblank. "For Thomas to be successful, he's going to have to put up numbers." … [Read more...] about Headed for Success?

"Where as in other seasons, we kind of know we're picking 15 or 20 overall and you hone your potential pool to 20 guys," said Benning. "(This season), we've had to really become familiar and comfortable with the top-60 players in this year's draft." … [Read more...] about Preparing for the Draft

"We have always tried to be a physical team, a hard-working team and we try to draft character, so I don't know if we'll change that part of our thinking," stated Benning. … [Read more...] about Notebook: Pre-Draft Warm-Up

'The Sabres, unlike some other NHL clubs, have an abundance of players. A few changes aside, they will look much like the team that finished the 2003-04 season with only 16 regulation losses in their last 47 games. "I think this team is in the top three or four positions in the post-lockout era because of what they've done before, how they're built and what … [Read more...] about Sabres will have familiar look in fall

'We'll see who comes and goes, but it behooves Buffalo to get younger because younger means cheaper in the new NHL. The Sabres will need to improve the old-fashioned way, through good draft picks and better trades. They will need to scout the league more thoroughly than ever. They'll need to develop players.' … [Read more...] about Now it's time for Golisano to be rewarded

AHL viewing is just a click away (Rochester D&C) Ex-Amerk Hicke dies from cancer (Rochester D&C) … [Read more...] about Wednesday’s Rochester Coverage

'This deal is a win-win for players and owners. The players have their salary cap directly linked to revenues. If they can grow the sport to where it should and could grow, this deal will be great for the players. The way to accomplish that is to find new fans.' … [Read more...] about Fans Should Be the Winners

'That it took a trashed season for the country’s No. 5 sport -- don’t tell NASCAR it isn’t at least No. 4 -- with a regional fan base, declining popularity and a lousy TV contract to create an agreement is an example of intergalactic ignorance.' … [Read more...] about Thoughts on Henry, NHL en Tiger&#8217s win

Amerks youth camps set to open (Rochester D&C) … [Read more...] about Sunday’s Rochester Coverage

Amerks hockey camp begins Monday (Amerks.com) … [Read more...] about Saturday’s Rochester Coverage

'"I haven't given up on the idea we'll be on in Canada," said Quinn.' … [Read more...] about Sabres’ TV picture still a little fuzzy

'When the Sabres went bankrupt and the franchise was looking to relocate elsewhere, Bettman was insistent enough to keep them In HSBC. He did the same for Ottawa, another small-market team. Bettman’s face is as congenial to Buffalo sports fans as Jimmy Johnson or Brett Hull. This time, however, he got it right.' … [Read more...] about Don't blame Bettman, he made it better

'Peters said that after playing 21 games with a Swedish team during the lockout and starting up his training regimen 10 weeks ago, he’s in shape to get back to practice with his teammates. “I’m ahead of where I was last year,” he said, noting he’s been working out at the gym four days a week in addition to doing pilates, boxing and regular … [Read more...] about NHL players relieved cold war over

'He’s even said publicly he feels the Sabres can, and should, be turning a profit within 3-5 years.' … [Read more...] about Golisano Not Surprised by NHL Agreement

'``I just think you had to realize that in some way, shape or form there was going to be some type of a cap or something,'' Ray said. ``When you knew it was going to have to be, why not sit and work with it?''' … [Read more...] about Ray criticizes Goodenow for misleading players in labor talks