SabreSpace

'A lockout over a salary cap shut down the game before it ever got a chance to start in October. Now the NHL, already low on the popularity scale in the United States, becomes the first major pro sports league in North America to lose an entire season to a labor dispute.' … [Read more...] about Game Off! NHL season canceled

'Players Association executive director Bob Goodenow will address the media at 4 p.m. EST in Toronto.' … [Read more...] about NHL cancels 2004-05 season

'Exactly five months after the NHL lockout began, commissioner Gary Bettman canceled what little was left of the season Wednesday.' … [Read more...] about Season that wasn't officially called off

'"When I stood before you in September, I said NHL teams would not play again until our economic problems had been solved," Bettman said. "As I stand before you today, it is my sad duty to announce that because that solution has not yet been attained, it no longer is practical to conduct even an abbreviated season. Accordingly, I have no choice but to announce the formal … [Read more...] about NHL, NHLPA fail to reach deal

'Source says barring last-minute union move, commissioner Gary Bettman to cancel 2004-05 season at 1 p.m. EST news conference.' … [Read more...] about Looks like the NHL season is over, only last-minute heroics will save it

'"A number of guys went behind our backs," New York Islanders center Michael Peca said. "It isn't right. They're doing something unethical. I can say with 100 percent certainty (Goodenow) had no knowledge players were going to the league behind his back. To see these guys, running around and lobbying as individuals about a salary cap, when … [Read more...] about NHL, union keep trying to bridge gap

'For years, the Sabres all but ignored local amateur hockey. Regier addressed the problem three years ago and insisted the organization become more involved. The Sabres now have one full-time employee, Youth Hockey Manager Pat Fisher, working within the community on everything from instructional clinics to promoting the game.' … [Read more...] about Sabres involved

'Rory Fitzpatrick would like to know what took so long. "If this is where we were headed with a cap, then it could have been settled in September," said Fitzpatrick, the lifelong Irondequoit resident who plays defense for the Buffalo Sabres. "What a waste of a season if we were going to accept a cap anyway."' … [Read more...] about Local NHLers aren't packing skates just yet

'"I wish everyone would just shut up and play."' … [Read more...] about Area hockey fans sound off on lockout

'"I know there's some extreme bitterness throughout the league amongst players for the move the negotiating committee took," Patrick said. "At the same time, there are so many guys who just said they want to play hockey, and if this is what it takes, they're willing to do that."' … [Read more...] about Cap talk startles ‘Peg pros

'McKee was surprised to learn of the developments, particularly after he was informed by players' association executive director Bob Goodenow on Monday that the NHLPA was not willing to accept a cap and to expect the season to be canceled. Now, McKee's wondering when the season or what's left of it can begin. ''It's been a roller-coaster … [Read more...] about Players wonder what took so long for NHLPA to accept cap

'The players' association will accept a salary cap, and the league has backed off its demand for a link between revenues and player costs. Now they just have to figure out the money, and time has all but run out.' … [Read more...] about Players agree to accept cap, but talks break down

'"I can assure you the players are getting stronger and stronger," Sabres player representative Jay McKee said. "There is no way a cap will ever be accepted. Gary's getting into a fight he never saw coming. He's in the fight of his life. (The players) aren't the type of guys will back away when they're pushed."' … [Read more...] about Last-ditch talks held in Buffalo area

Amerks prepare for three games in three nights (Amerks.com) Amerks' Miller leads PlanetUSA to shootout win (Amerks.com) … [Read more...] about Tuesday’s Rochester Coverage

'The question has been dogging James Patrick like a 230-pound forward with a chip on his shoulder: "Have I played my last game in the National Hockey League?" The answer for the 41-year-old defenceman, who didn't have a contract for the 2004-05 NHL regular season, is clearer now, and it's not good.' … [Read more...] about For some, end of season is end of career