SabreSpace

'A source close to the negotiations told The Buffalo News Thursday night that the state does not feel it can provide a $23 million loan Hamister wants as part of a plan to refinance an existing loan for the HSBC Arena. The source, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the Pataki administration believes that the loan proceeds would go directly to Adelphia Communications, … [Read more...] about State rejects loan for Sabres

'If Hamister purchases the Sabres, 48 percent are very or somewhat confident he will be able to run a successful team in Buffalo, 19 percent are not confident and 33 percent are unsure.' … [Read more...] about Poll backs Sabres, but not proposed aid

'But if the Sabres leave town, county taxpayers will pay an even steeper price - at least $15 million to $20 million over the next 23 years, just in the direct loss of sales tax revenue, according to the latest county projections.' … [Read more...] about Stay or go, Sabres will cost taxpayers

'He is one of the Sabres' lowest-paid players, making $450,000 this season. Only left wing Eric Boulton makes less ($400,000).' … [Read more...] about Coming of age

'Ruff will give a start to each goalie in games tonight against the Boston Bruins in HSBC Arena and Saturday night against the Montreal Canadiens in the Bell Centre.' … [Read more...] about Who's No. 1? Ruff won't label goalies

'The Bruins are 2-10-1 since Dec. 8.' … [Read more...] about Sabres vs. Bruins

'It’s a different scenario in Buffalo were it appears there will be a cleansing bankruptcy. In that situation all parties, including creditors, agree to a restructuring of the debt load. Under that arrangement, prospective owner Mark Hamister would take control of the team with the blessings of the NHL and the team’s major creditors.' … [Read more...] about Senators file bankruptcy, Sabres next

``I'm plenty more confident today than I was a week ago,'' Hamister said. ``I think the very fact that talks are going on a daily basis would suggest progress. But the final note of progress will be that final action.'' … [Read more...] about Hamister awaiting Pataki approval as Sabres deadline nears

'Everything that could have gone wrong has.' … [Read more...] about Sabres' first half a nightmare

'FRONT OFFICE, Darcy Regier, F. Other than a trade of defenseman Jason Woolley earlier in the season, Regier seems to be satisfied at standing pat while his team falters. Even though he is working with a limited budget, a change of a face or two would have been helpful, even if for nothing more than to shake up the team.' … [Read more...] about Sabres' mid-season report card

'Ruff announced Warrener would return against the Bruins after missing nine straight games.' … [Read more...] about Scratches give Warrener an itch

'"Mainly what's wrong is our economy is in bad shape. People don't have a lot of disposable income, and since the arena opened, Air Canada Centre has opened in Toronto, Blue Cross Arena was renovated, and they took away a big part of the regional market. So there's a lot of competition," said Quinn.' … [Read more...] about Will updating arena draw more concerts?

'Sports teams, utility companies and other big businesses play one locality against another to extort givebacks, even as the county talks of raising taxes, the city closes fire companies and the schools have laid off teachers.' … [Read more...] about As an owner of the Sabres, I intend to . . .

'In the meantime, Hamister's group and that of billionaire Golisano should call off their verbal sniping. Golisano, the failed gubernatorial candidate, lost his bid to buy the Sabres. No one needs to hear any more from him.' … [Read more...] about Hockey haggling

'Macaluso said the interested party, who he declined to identify, wanted to know whether city officials would be interested in negotiating a possible deal that would see the Sabres move permanently to Copps. Macaluso said a possible deal would only come about if a proposal by Buffalo businessman Mark Hamister to obtain U.S. state assistance as part of his bid to buy the … [Read more...] about Sabres shift to Hamilton in 'exploratory' stage, HECFI says