Archives for January 2003

'Hamister received good news Thursday when Erie County executive Joel Giambra supported a plan for the county to finance construction of a $7 million, 770-space parking facility next to the Arena. But Giambra did not back Hamister's request for a $1 million annual capital improvement grant.' … [Read more...] about Hamister seeks two-week extension in bid to buy Sabres

'Of course the real problem the Sabres have to take care of is to somehow coordinate the good goaltending nights with some goal scoring. In more recent times Buffalo have had nights where they score goals, but the goalies have let them down. On other nights the netminding has been outstanding, but the Sabres couldn't bury their scoring chances.' … [Read more...] about Miller time in Buffalo

Instead of asking taxpayers to give him $25 million to spend on HSBC Arena, why doesn’t Hamister understand the real problem facing concert promoters at HSBC? It’s simple, the deal at HSBC sucks for promoters. The rental rates are higher than almost anywhere else; the union costs are among the highest in the nation, almost what they are in New York City; and there … [Read more...] about Mark iPinocchioi Hamister: The Nose Grows… and grows…

'The public-sector money would cover a number of facets including installing a new sound system, the construction of 1,100-space parking lot near the arena, the right to install revenue-generating billboards and kiosks near the arena and low-cost replacement power. Also subject to negotiation is determining who is responsible for the $23 million that remains on the … [Read more...] about Hamister sees progress in talks on arena deal

'Hamister declined to elaborate on what headway has been made, but state officials Wednesday disputed an earlier report that Gov. George E. Pataki is reviewing a financial assistance package involving the proposed purchase. "The story is wrong. There is no package," said Suzanne Morris, a spokeswoman for Pataki. "(Empire State Development Corp.) has had some … [Read more...] about Hamister, facing Friday deadline in bid for Sabres, seeks extension

'Sabres coach Lindy Ruff lost all confidence in Noronen’s ability to win games, and his confidence in Martin Biron is also waning.' … [Read more...] about Goalie Noronen rejoins Amerks for a Texas road trip

Mark Hamister was supposed to be the white knight, riding in to valiantly save the team. But Hamister now says he wants $25 million in government assistance to save the damsel in distress. This may be nothing more than a bluff on his part. Or it may be that he has realized that if he goes through with his proposed purchase, he will be throwing away his money. Bankruptcy remains … [Read more...] about Sabres, Sens nearing end?

'Donner said the Amerks are going to be as patient as they can be in waiting to see how the situation in Buffalo is resolved. And he is confident it will be resolved with the Sabres remaining in Buffalo. "We're going to be as supportive as we can be, but we're going to have to make some tough decisions on our own about the future depending on how the … [Read more...] about Family bonds run deep among AHL members

'Tim Connolly- volunteers to go play in Rochester for the rest of the season. Taylor Pyatt, Curtis Brown, Vaclav Varada- ditto Rochester Americans- Accept Pyatt, Brown, and Varada, but send Connolly to the South Carolina Stingrays of the ECHL.' … [Read more...] about Wishing the Sabres a Happy New Year

In our column of November 27, we examined the woeful performance of the Buffalo Sabres' management and scouts in attempting to acquire scoring help through the entry draft. Today, in Part 2 of our series on the draft, we turn to the most important position in team sports -- the goaltender. While the recent struggles of former first-round picks Martin Biron and Mika Noronen … [Read more...] about Sabres fare OK in crap shoot of drafting goalies

'It seems that no matter what moves the Sabres make, goaltending and goal scoring never quite click on the same day.' … [Read more...] about Sabres' offense drops ball

'They need to make a commitment to a goaltender, and Miller is the best one in the organization. This kid is ready, and this kid is for real.' … [Read more...] about Sabres need to find spot for Miller

'Several sources confirmed Tuesday that the Empire State Development Corp. has put together a financial assistance package that draws on "a half dozen" state programs. The plan, which is said to include benefits from the state's Empire Zone program, as well as low-cost electricity, comes very close to the state help Buffalo businessman Mark Hamister is … [Read more...] about Hockey franchise fiscal puck in Pataki's rink

'The Sabres' poor offense was best exemplified on their best scoring chance, a clean breakaway by Denis Hamel late in the third period. At first it appeared Hamel did not even register a shot on Osgood, but replays showed that Osgood just nicked it with a piece of his padding, forcing the shot high and wide.' … [Read more...] about Blake and Osgood Pull the Islanders to .500

'The goal was vindication for Blake after he struggled to beat Miller, who made 25 saves in his third career start. "He stopped me once before on a breakaway," Blake said. "I'm not going to say I picked that spot, but I wanted to get it high."' … [Read more...] about It's Nice to Get Even