Archives for April 2009

'“[Sabres GM Darcy Regier] really wanted to get me down here as soon as possible. He said even if I don’t get to play, just to practice and see what it’s going to take over the summer to prepare and compete in this league would be good for me. “I already knew that it was going to be a great opportunity but he just confirmed it and reassured me of … [Read more...] about Final destination

'The Sabres have signed T. J. Brennan and Drew Schiestel to three-year, entry-level contracts that begin next season. Brennan has begun skating with the Portland Pirates, and Schiestel was expected to join the Sabres’ minor league affiliate Saturday.' … [Read more...] about Sabres sign two prospects

'While this team needs a makeover, a total makeover isn’t necessary. They need three or four honest hockey players who might serve as a jury of their peers, making them accountable in the dressing room for half-hearted play that kills playoff hopes. They don’t have to be superstars. Clones of the sorely missed Mike Grier would do nicely.' … [Read more...] about What we need now are a few honest hockey players

'On the scouting staff, which was replaced by video in a cost-cutting measure: “You can scout on television and video and still watch players? Come on. That is absolutely the joke of the league. When all the scouts were here--Larry Carriere, Don Luce, Terry Martin, Jim Benning, all those guys--they’re the ones who built this franchise that took them to the … [Read more...] about Sounding off on Dudley, scouting philosophy

'"If you look at the organizations that have been successful, you don't see owners getting involved in hockey decisions. You hire people to do a job you're not capable of doing. Until proven wrong, you let them do their jobs. If they can't, you get rid of them."' … [Read more...] about Robert Unafraid of Criticizing Sabres

'Sabres general manager Darcy Regier says 20-year-old lefty defensemen T.J. Brennan and Drew Schiestel (SHIS’-tuhl) agreed to three-year, entry level contracts that will begin in the 2009-10 season.' … [Read more...] about Buffalo Sabres sign their top 2 &#821707 draft picks

'Brennan (31st overall) and Schiestel (59th) were Buffalo’s first two selections in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft.' … [Read more...] about Sabres sign Brennan, Schiestel

Pirates, Bruins evenly matched (Portland Press Herald) Homecoming is a hit for Pirates' Baier (Providence Journal) It’s a valuable lesson for younger Pirates (Maine Hockey Journal) … [Read more...] about Sunday’s Portland Coverage

'The Sabres have inked P.J. Brennan to an Amateur Tryout contract. The club's 2007 second round pick and 31st overall has been assigned to Portland for the Pirates playoff run.' … [Read more...] about Sabres sign two 2007 picks

Pirates forced to settle for split (Portland Press Herald) Reich bags the winner as P-Bruins pull even with Pirates (Providence Journal) Pirates fall to the Bruins as it now shifts to Portland (Maine Hockey Journal) Providence Takes Game Two (PortlandPirates.com) P-Bruins defeat Pirates 2-1 (ProvidenceBruins.com) … [Read more...] about Saturday’s Portland Coverage

'There was speculation about the job security of both individuals after the Sabres missed the playoffs for the second straight year and fifth time in seven seasons.' … [Read more...] about Sabres retaining Regier, Ruff

'Ruff guided the Sabres to a 41-32-9 record this past season, as the club finished in 10th place in the Eastern Conference, missing the playoffs for the second consecutive season.' … [Read more...] about Sabres bring back Ruff, Regier

'“We wanted to have a chance to digest the season and gauge their desire and their--how would I say it?--willingness to approach this freshly and with some innovation,” Quinn said. “And we’ve taken our process forward enough to know that these are the two guys we want to lead our hockey department next year.”' … [Read more...] about Sabres elect to retain coach Ruff, GM Regier

'Ownership is very excited to have these two individuals return to help lead the organization back to the playoffs next season.' … [Read more...] about Ruff and Regier back for 09/10

'"I think our fan base in Buffalo knows what he has done for the organization this year," Dineen said. "Frankly, I wasn't surprised at all that he was called up for three games and was there for the rest of the season. He has a maturity about him that has NHL written all over him, so it's great and a real benefit to have him back in the lineup for the … [Read more...] about Butler: From rookie to leader