Politicking, intrinsic to Albany's legislative halls, has made its way to the ice rinks.

Sen. Charles E. Schumer is urging the Buffalo Sabres to help bring their minor-league team to

the state capital.

The Portland Pirates' lease with the Cumberland County Civic Center expires following the

season, and ownership is investigating a move from Maine to Albany. The capital is losing its

American Hockey League team to Charlotte, N.C., and Schumer hopes the Sabres' affiliate fills

the hole.

"Albany is a first-class hockey town, and any AHL team — but especially an upstate

New York team like the Sabres — would make a wise choice to move there," Schumer said in

a statement. "Creating a Sabres fan base that stretches from west to east across all of

upstate is a great idea, and I think that hockey fans in the Albany area will be motivated to

root for a team also from upstate New York."

Schumer said he spoke with Larry Quinn this week and released a letter he gave the Sabres'

minority owner. The Sabres, who have little to no say in the relocation process, will not

comment on the Pirates' situation. Schumer, however, says Quinn confirmed Portland's owners

are considering the move.

Pirates managing owner Brian Petrovek said last week his primary goal is to reach a new

lease agreement in Portland.

The Pirates visit the Albany River Rats on Friday before playing Saturday and Sunday in

Rochester. They have won nine straight games.