'Thus, the best prospects for the Sabres' long-term future in Buffalo may lie with Kailbourne's ability to keep a slimmed-down Adelphia alive and thriving. And that still remains a fairly long shot.' … [Read more...] about Questions arise about Sabres' long-term future
The Sabres Report - May 25, 2002
Report lists broad family ties
'Adelphia Communications paid $13 million to build a golf course on land owned by John Rigas, backed $150 million in debts for his Buffalo Sabres and repaid $241 million in loans used to buy stock for members of his family, the company said in a disclosure statement Friday.' … [Read more...] about Report lists broad family ties
Reporting depth would take big hit if Empire folded
'Even before Adelphia's money woes there was concern within Empire that Timothy Rigas, the former chief financial officer for Adelphia, might consider dropping the network and running the Sabres games on a local Adelphia channel. According to the theory, the elimination of Empire salaries would save millions without the Sabres losing an outlet for the games.' … [Read more...] about Reporting depth would take big hit if Empire folded
Sabres say they're staying in Buffalo
'The Sabres are staying in Buffalo next season despite cash-flow disruptions related to problems at Adelphia Communications, team officials said.' … [Read more...] about Sabres say they're staying in Buffalo
The Sabres Report - May 24, 2002
Ownership of Sabres to be Transferred to Adelphia
'One day after reliquishing control of their cable empire, the Rigas family is putting the finishing touches on a deal that will transfer ownership and control of the Buffalo Sabres to Adelphia.' … [Read more...] about Ownership of Sabres to be Transferred to Adelphia
No winners
'...a new owner or owners would inherit more immediate problems. Like, all those luxury boxes that would suddenly be empty because of a lack of Adelphia connections. Some insiders say as much as 40 percent of the sold out suites might need to be replaced, and companies with programming tie-ins to Adelphia pull out as their contracts expire.' … [Read more...] about No winners
Sabres, amid cash-flow woes, staying put
'News of the Sabres' returning for their 33rd season - while a foregone conclusion to many people inside and outside the organization - no doubt will ease the concerns of those who wondered whether the team would survive Adelphia's current financial problems. It also may help the team, which reportedly has had a very weak renewal rate of season tickets for next … [Read more...] about Sabres, amid cash-flow woes, staying put
Rigas relinquish control of Sabres
'In any event, the Rigas family will no longer control the fortunes of the NHL team and Adelphia may well sell it to raise capital to aid the company in its fight to avoid bankruptcy and to satisfy part of outstanding debts.' … [Read more...] about Rigas relinquish control of Sabres
The Sabres Report - May 23, 2002
Rigas Holds on to Sabres...For Now
'Sources tell News-4 Sports, that John Rigas wants any deal relinquishing control of the Sabres to include a guarantee that they stay in Buffalo.' … [Read more...] about Rigas Holds on to Sabres…For Now
From stricken hockey fan, hearty thanks to rescuers
'Alexander Eleczko met Ron Barrett and Ken Bak for the second time Wednesday, but he can be forgiven if he doesn't remember the first time. His heart wasn't beating, and he had collapsed between rows of seats in HSBC Arena prior to a Buffalo Sabres game.' … [Read more...] about From stricken hockey fan, hearty thanks to rescuers
Bankruptcy would cut jobs but not service
'As for the Buffalo Sabres, it's impossible to tell whether the National Hockey League franchise might get pulled into bankruptcy wrangling, experts said. Investigators reportedly are looking at the team's ties to the cable company, including whether Adelphia backed Sabres debts.' … [Read more...] about Bankruptcy would cut jobs but not service
The Sabres Report - May 22, 2002
Hall of Fame inducts six on historic night
Hockey commentator and former Sabre Mike Robitaille did the honors [Buffalo Broadcast Pioneers Hall of Fame] for inducting the late Ted Darling, longtime announcer for the hockey team. … [Read more...] about Hall of Fame inducts six on historic night
The Sabres Report - May 21, 2002
Former Coach Ted Nolan Hopes Rangers Post Gets Him Back to NHL
'"Certain personalities just clash," said Nolan, who rejected an extension with the Sabres after the 1996-97 season, then passed on a four-year offer to coach Tampa Bay several months later. "I don't think I did anything wrong."' … [Read more...] about Former Coach Ted Nolan Hopes Rangers Post Gets Him Back to NHL
The Sabres Report - May 20, 2002
Adelphia to Describe Rigas Family-Related Activities, NYT Says
'Adelphia intends to disclose in a Securities and Exchange Commission filing by today that it bought furniture from a company the family owns, allowed personal use of company airplanes and other perks, provided financing of a golf course built for the family, and was somehow involved in the family's purchase of the Buffalo Sabres hockey team, the paper said, citing … [Read more...] about Adelphia to Describe Rigas Family-Related Activities, NYT Says
Adelphia invested in family's NY hockey team-report
'Adelphia's investment in the National Hockey League team was never fully disclosed, and it is not clear whether the company's founder, John Rigas, borrowed money to buy the team as part of a lending agreement in which Adelphia was liable for the family's purchase, or whether the family had the company itself make the acquisition, the newspaper said.' … [Read more...] about Adelphia invested in family's NY hockey team-report