Archives for January 2003

'Most of Hamister's estimated $33 million request is for help with refinancing an arena loan and for improving the facility. The lawmakers stressed that the assistance would go for the arena, and that no state money would go to subsidize player salaries or any other team operating costs.' … [Read more...] about State legislators back aid for Sabres

'"You can't expect to win playing a third period like that. It's just not going to happen."' … [Read more...] about Hurricanes fade in third period

'The Canes spent the night in Buffalo instead of flying to Boston for tonight's game because of bad weather in the Northeast.' … [Read more...] about Winds of change for Canes

Dumont, paired with Barnes and Ales Kotalik for the first time, finished with two goals and an assist. Barnes added a goal and an assist and Kotalik had two assists. … [Read more...] about Sabres 6, Hurricanes 3

They registered at least five goals in a game for the first time since November 22, when they snapped their winless streak at a team record-tying 12 games (0-9-2-1) against Columbus. … [Read more...] about Buffalo 6, Carolina 3

'Assemblyman Robin Schimminger (D) 140th District: “When a business is endangered in New York State, a business which brings benefit to the economy of the state -- it is entirely appropriate for government to come forward. It is almost expected." What is Hamister's big ask? Thirty million dollars in state loans -- and loan extensions -- to pay for … [Read more...] about Hamister gets one week

'Bill Daly, the league's chief legal officer, said the NHL granted Hamister more time because progress was being made in talks with state, county and city officials. The bid is contingent on support from New York state, Erie County and the city of Buffalo to cover debts related to six-year-old HSBC Arena. Without help, Hamister said he would withdraw his bid.' … [Read more...] about NHL Gives Hamister One-Week Extension to Buy Buffalo Sabres

'Critical in getting the politicians on board was Hamister's explanation that he is not seeking public money to help purchase the team. Instead, Hamister asked for the state to refinance a $22.9 million loan on the construction of HSBC Arena, the Sabres' home, and $10 million in capital improvements to the six-year-old facility. He also stressed that no public … [Read more...] about Hamister gets one more week, political support to buy Sabres

'The labor federation, consisting of five AFL-CIO councils representing more than 150,000 workers, said they jointly favor public aid to the arena in order to retain some 1,100 jobs related to the arena and hockey team. Labor officials place the economic impact of those jobs at $65 million annually.' … [Read more...] about Labor groups call on state to support arena, Sabres

'Ruff insisted Thursday that Martin Biron is still the team's No. 1 goalie despite recent shaky moments. But the coach added Miller will start as long as he continues to impress. Miller nearly earned his first NHL shutout in a 1-0 overtime loss to the New York Islanders on Tuesday.' … [Read more...] about Miller next up on goalie carousel

'"There's concern around the league," Sabres coach Lindy Ruff said. "It's not just focused on one city. But I think it says a whole lot of the game and the amount the players make now. The game isn't in as good a shape as it was years ago. You hope to get it back to where it was."' … [Read more...] about Players keep tabs on Ottawa's woes

'D Alexei Zhitnik hasn't scored a goal since Nov. 24, 2001.' … [Read more...] about Sabres vs. Hurricanes

'The two-tiered parking deck would be county-owned and would not be built solely for the Sabres' benefit, he said. The Sabres, however, are likely to gain revenue from the facility for team-related events.' … [Read more...] about Giambra backs parking ramp near arena

'"People have said Mark Hamister doesn't have the wherewithal," he said. "That's obvious when you use other people's money."' … [Read more...] about A matter of pull

'Still waiting in the wings...the investment team headed up by Tom Golisano. Hormoz Mansouri, Potential Sabres investor: “We have left the door open for the league to come back to us.” A bid he says, that does not hinge on public money.' … [Read more...] about Hamister awaits word on deadline extension