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'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

'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