HOCKEY
Sabres and Pirates exchange vows in Maine
Every pirate needs a sabre. Finally, after months of waiting, the Sabres and Pirates have each other.
Buffalo officially relocated its minor league affiliate Tuesday, placing its American Hockey League operations in Portland, Maine. The deal is for at least three years, with the Sabres holding an option for two additional seasons. The union had been discussed since Nov. 1, but the long wait didn’t temper the enthusiasm.
“We are just thrilled for this announcement,” Pirates managing owner Brian Petrovek said by phone. “There’s a lot of energy and high expectations. I think it’s going to be a good turning point for us.”
The relationship from a travel aspect isn’t as convenient for the Sabres as their previous one, though no other pairing could be. Buffalo spent 29 years with Rochester, a mere 70-mile drive down the Thruway. But the affiliation with the Amerks became unworkable because of finances and squabbles, and the Sabres needed someone new.
So did Portland. Petrovek received word last year the Pirates’ previous parent, Anaheim, would seek a team closer to home. Petrovek didn’t have to look long or, more importantly, far to find a new mate.
There are 12 flights per day that connect Buffalo and Portland in about four hours (including a layover). If that’s not quick enough for a recall, a player can make a two-hour drive to Boston for one of the numerous 80-minute nonstop flights.
“It’ll take a little longer to get there and be a little more expensive, but that’s something that shouldn’t be a factor compared to the benefits,” Sabres managing partner Larry Quinn said.
The biggest benefit is the Sabres will have sole rights to an affiliate for the first time since 2004-05. They split Rochester with the Florida Panthers for the last three seasons, sending just 10 prospects to the team. They will need at least 20 in Portland.
“I am looking forward to it,” Sabres General Manager Darcy Regier said. “One organization, one culture, I think it’s a lot better. It’s good to have guys growing up together with one goal.”
Petrovek, a former goaltender for Harvard and executive with USA Hockey, spoke glowingly of Buffalo. He’s impressed with the town’s hockey history dating back to the Bisons and its booming youth programs. He admires the passion he’s seen from Sabres fans and said he’s anticipating good relationships with Quinn, Regier, coach Lindy Ruff and owner B. Thomas Golisano.
“They’ve got a great history, tradition and culture that is going to align well with our fans,” Petrovek said.
While the association is more distant for the Sabres, it’s a continent closer for Portland. Anaheim was 3,000 miles away, and the Ducks rarely played close to Maine. The Sabres will be in Boston three times per season, and most of their games can be watched on television without staying up past midnight.
“Our fans can go to Boston and see the Sabres and the players who used to play here,” Petrovek said. “Things like that put a smile on faces.”
The Pirates were one victory from reaching the Calder Cup finals this season, and fans grew attached to the Ducks’ prospects. But Petrovek said his community is eager for Buffalo’s arrival.
“When we announced that we were going to be making this announcement and the speculation started, not one season-ticket holder, not one sponsor, came to me and said, ‘I don’t like the direction this is going,’ ” Petrovek said. “We have been thrilled with the support for change.
“They realize we had a great situation with Anaheim, but they realize we are taking a step forward with our next move.”
Petrovek hopes it’s the last move for a while.
“I’d like nothing more than to have a 29-year relationship,” he said, referring to the length of the Buffalo-Rochester connection.
