The Buffalo Sabres, as expected, have decided to retain their minor-league coaching staff, re-signing Portland head coach Kevin Dineen and assistant Eric Weinrich to one-year deals Thursday.

Also on Thursday, representatives of Patrick Kane officially released the public places for viewing the Stanley Cup on Friday as it makes its tour with the Chicago Blackhawks winger around Western New York.

Dineen will return for his sixth season behind the Pirates' bench, while Weinrich will be back for a third year. This will be Portland's third season as the Sabres' American Hockey League affiliate.

"They have done an excellent job in respect to our young players and their development within the organization," Sabres General Manager Darcy Regier said in a statement. "As we continue to grow our young prospects, we are confident their success in the National Hockey League can be attributed to their time spent with" the coaching staff in Portland.

Dineen, who was a finalist for the NHL head coaching job with the Columbus Blue Jackets that went to former Sabres assistant Scott Arniel, is Portland's franchise leader in games coached (400), wins (219) and winning percentage (.610). The Pirates went 45-24-7-4 last season and finished second in the Atlantic Division.

"I am very excited to be back as part of the Buffalo Sabres organization," Dineen said. "My family and I are thrilled to return to Portland for a sixth season as we continue our effort of reaching our goal to win a Calder Cup championship for the great fans of Portland."

  Weinrich spent 18 seasons in the NHL as a defenseman.

  "I expressed to Darcy that I really enjoyed being part of the organization and was hoping that they would consider re-signing me," Weinrich said. "He said they would be happy to have me back."

  The plans Kane and his family have made for a public display of the Stanley Cup on Friday are:

  È An 8:30 a.m. visit to the Hurricane Deck at Cave of the Winds in Niagara Falls State Park for a presentation;

  È A stop at Roswell Park at 11 a.m. to meet with pediatric and adult cancer patients;

  È Saying thank you to the construction workers at the Global Vascular Institute, which is under construction behind Buffalo General Hospital, at 12:30 p.m. The local steelworkers painted "(Buzz) Pat Kane Wins Stanley Cup" on a sixth floor steel beam at the institute;

  È And, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., members and the families of the Buffalo Police and Fire departments can view the cup at New Era Cap on Delaware Avenue. Identification will be required.

  Due to time constraints, Kane will not be able to "to provide autographs or sign specific items for the general public," according to a press release sent out by his representatives. "Patrick has the Stanley Cup for a limited time and while he wants to share this opportunity with the community, it is unrealistic to expect that all requests can be accommodated," the release said.

  The trip to Niagara Falls will be held before normal visiting hours; the public will not be allowed on the observation deck.

jvogl@buffnews.comnull