Archives for 2014

'For more than four decades, he has displayed his innate ability to bring the action to us while making it seem as if he planted himself on our couches or in the car or the bar stool. Sons who grew up listening to him have since become fathers and now listen with their sons.' … [Read more...] about Cancer adds insult to injury with R.J.

'Thoughts are with the great Rick Jeanneret who’s voice is etched in my mind. #LalalaLafontaine #MayDay' … [Read more...] about Hockey world sends warm wishes to Jeanneret via Twitter

'“The biggest thing is I’m at the point in my career now you’re not trying to appease every family and friend that’s out there,” said Gionta, who signed a three-year, $12.75 million contract shortly after free agency opened Tuesday. “I’ve been in the league a long time. The distraction of being close to home that maybe you would’ve had when you were a younger player, I think at … [Read more...] about Veteran Brian Gionta happy to join rebuilding Sabres

'The Pegulas have not publicly said whether they will try to buy the NFL team, which is on the market after the team's owner and founder Ralph Wilson died in March. But The Associated Press has reported the Pegulas were among prospective buyers who received a non-disclosure agreement and background on the Bills from a law firm representing Wilson's estate.' … [Read more...] about Looking at buying Bills, Sabres owners hire broker

'Many folks have said to me that Gionta will be under pressure coming back to Western New York to try to help a bad team turn things around. I can’t imagine too much more pressure than being the captain of the Montreal Canadiens, especially if you’re American so he said he’ll be fine, “No, there’s always pressure, but pressure’s a good thing it pushes you to succeed. I’m at the … [Read more...] about Sabres Gionta won’t feel pressure

'"I think there's a lot of excitement," Gionta said. "You bring in a couple guys via either free agency or trade and I think the excitement level has just gotten a lot bigger. You can see it the last day-and-a-half; guys are excited, guys want to be here and guys want to play for the Sabres. That's the first step."' … [Read more...] about Gionta glad to be with hometown Sabres

'“This was my childhood team growing up and it’s a dream to play for them and put on the jersey. I can’t wait until September comes,” Gionta said. “We’re confident that we can come here and be a part of something big. That’s our expectation: to come here and field a winning team. I think we’re putting the pieces in place and we’re excited to be a part of that.”' … [Read more...] about Gionta happy to be home

'"I consider this to be a bump in the road and am fully intending to come back and fulfill my obligations to the Sabres. I know there is going to be a lot of concern. All I can do is ask everybody to please allow me and my family to keep this as private as possible. We will provide updates through the team."' … [Read more...] about Sabres broadcaster Jeanneret has throat cancer

'Jeanneret, who has been broadcasting Sabres games either on radio or television for 43 years, expects to have radiation treatment for six or seven weeks and possibly chemotherapy. His doctors in Hamilton, Ont., have told him that it is stage III cancer and that he has an 85 percent chance of recovery. He is meeting with them again Thursday.' … [Read more...] about Rick Jeanneret diagnosed with throat cancer; plans to return to broadcast Sabres’ games this season

'“We’re trying to rebuild an organization into a top organization. Today shows that we finished in 30th place and there are quality players that want to come here.”' … [Read more...] about Sabres load up on veteran talent

'“I knew my time in Montreal was over, and looking ahead I wanted to evaluate the teams on the list,” Gorges said. “Looking at Buffalo, I always had a lot of respect for Ted Nolan as a head coach, the new ownership, what they’re doing with that team and the direction they’re heading. I felt it was a good opportunity to go in and help with a good, young team. I figured it’s a … [Read more...] about Gorges deal done in a heartbeat

'In other words, GM Tim Murray was able to check all the boxes with Gionta when he began scouring free agent lists for players who can help turn around this mess. Gionta is a veteran leader with talent who wouldn’t demand ridiculous money and was down on the lists of serious Stanley Cup contenders.' … [Read more...] about Murray lands marquee mentor

'"The expectation isn't to go there and lose. The expectation is to win," Gionta said. "They've kind of done their unloading and now hopefully they're doing the building portion."' … [Read more...] about Brian Gionta joins Buffalo Sabres

'"The reason I was brought in here was because they needed a change," Murray said the other day. "I knew it was a big job and I know it's a job that has to be done the proper way. And that's hard. We all want to speed things up."' … [Read more...] about Sabres’ GM makes his mark

'The Sabres started Tuesday a whopping $20,580,834 under the floor. Right now, they’re just $55,834 under it, according to capgeek.com.' … [Read more...] about Sabres sign 4 new players, become top destination in free agency